South African Community Helps Nab Man in Triple Spade Killings

A 41-year-old South African man, James Mohajane, who was sought in connection with the alleged murders of three individuals, including his girlfriend, has been taken into custody. His arrest came swiftly after community members handed him over to the police within 12 hours of his photograph being circulated.

Police reports indicate that the three victims were last seen together at the residence of Tshepo Molekwa. Their bodies were later discovered at the same location on Sunday morning, August 23. Authorities believe they were attacked and killed with a spade. Mohajane was not present at the scene upon the arrival of law enforcement, but his mobile phone was found there.

Earlier, the police had initiated a widespread manhunt for the suspect. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, confirmed that at approximately 9:30 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, residents of the Moeka Vuma community successfully handed Mohajane over to the police.

Mathe elaborated that Mohajane was the primary target of an intensive search after he was identified as the suspected perpetrator in the killings of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther's boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa. She stated, “The three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at a house in Moeka Vuma near Makapanstad in the North West over the weekend.”

Commending the public's swift action, Mathe added, “Less than 12 hours after SAPS issued a public alert and circulated Mohajane’s photograph, the community of Moeka Vuma stood up and played a critical role in bringing the suspect to police.”

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), expressed profound appreciation to communities across the nation, including the media and social media users, for their invaluable assistance in Mohajane's rapid apprehension. Dimpane lauded the community's vigilance and cooperation, underscoring the critical role of public participation in preventing and resolving serious and violent crimes.

“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime,” Dimpane remarked. She further acknowledged, “The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody. We thank everyone who played a role.”

Dimpane also highlighted a recent similar incident where Klerksdorp community members assisted police in apprehending a wanted boyfriend who was on the run after allegedly killing his girlfriend in Soweto. She extended commendation to the investigators and police officers involved for their tireless efforts in ensuring that wanted suspects are brought to justice.