Lesotho nationals ambush the police office at home
According to Colonel Katlego Mogale, a spokesperson for the Hawks, the incident occurred on January 21, 2025, when two unidentified individuals approached Sephooa’s home. One of the assailants reportedly fired two shots at the officer before fleeing the scene.
Following an intensive investigation, authorities arrested the suspects on February 1, 2025, in Stilfontein, North West. The operation was conducted through a collaborative effort involving the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, the North West Tactical Response Team, and the National Intervention Unit.
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After their capture, the suspects were transported to Bethlehem and are scheduled to make their first court appearance at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court, where they will face murder charges.
Other cases of attacks on police officers
Colonel Mogale also highlighted another alarming case in the same province, where two police officers—Constables Sipho Mohapi and Gedione Motloung—were fatally shot while responding to a house robbery complaint on January 4, 2025. The officers, stationed at the Namahadi Police Station in Qwaqwa, fell victim to a calculated attack.
Investigations led to the arrest of three individuals in connection with these murders:
- Pakiso Lethako (32), a Lesotho national, was taken into custody on January 15, 2025.
- Marasane Kabelo Anmony (27), a South African citizen, was arrested on January 16, 2025. He was intercepted on horseback near the Monontsha Port of Entry while allegedly attempting to flee to Lesotho. Authorities discovered a stolen cellphone from the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used in the killings.
- A third suspect, a 53-year-old man, was tracked down and detained in Phuthaditjhaba.
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No Escape for Criminals
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as investigations continue. “We are actively pursuing further leads and will ensure that all those involved in these heinous crimes are brought to justice,” Mogale emphasized.
These incidents highlight the increasing dangers law enforcement officers face and raise concerns about cross-border criminal activities that threaten the safety of communities.