
Three suspects, Victor Mashakeng, 49, a former police officer, Sergeant Herbet Modiba, 46, and Oupa Baker Lebogo, 48, appeared in Seshego District Court on Monday, October 28, 2024, facing charges of kidnapping, murder and obstructing justice. They were denied bail and will remain in custody until November 15, 2024, and December 10, 2024, for further investigation.
Oupa Baker Lebogo, who had evaded arrest, was captured on October 25, 2024, in Moletji Mabokelele by the Provincial Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery Unit. The team acted on a tip-off, tracing Lebogo to his hideout.
The charges stem from the alleged kidnapping and murder of Steven Mathebula, 55, on June 6, 2023. Mathebula’s body was found in a shallow grave. Initially reported as a missing person, the case evolved into a murder investigation.
Two additional suspects, Victor Mashakeng and Herbet Modiba, are already in custody for multiple violent crimes committed between 2019 and 2023. They abandoned their bail application, with their case postponed to December 10, 2024.
Oupa Lebogo’s case was postponed to November 15, 2024, for profiling and bail application. Meanwhile, four suspects appeared in Moroke periodical court on October 28, 2024, for the murder of headman Setlamorago Thobejane, with their case postponed to November 7, 2024.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the investigating team and community for providing crucial information leading to the arrests. The search continues for another suspect, Percy Lebogo.