Limpopo: The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo praised the meticulous efforts of detectives as one of four murder suspects appeared in court for a series of violent crimes. Oupa Baker Leboho, aged 48, faced the Seshego Magistrate Court on charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice. He has been remanded in custody until 19 November 2024 for a formal application.

According to South African Police Service, Oupa Baker Leboho was arrested following a well-coordinated operation on 25 October 2024, in Moletji Mabokelele by the Provincial Tracking Team and Murder and Robbery Unit. Allegedly, Leboho and his accomplices kidnapped and murdered 55-year-old Steven Mathebula on 6 June 2023, subsequently burying him in a shallow grave. Initially filed as a missing person case, the inquiry transformed into a murder docket leading to the suspects’ charges.

Two additional suspects, Victor Mashakeng, 49, and former police officer Herbet Modiba, 46, are already in custody for numerous serious a
nd violent crimes committed between 2019 and 2023. They abandoned their bail applications after appearing in court on 28 October 2024, and are detained until 10 December 2024 for further investigations. Investigations revealed that Mashakeng and Modiba were involved in the kidnapping, murder, and burning of 34-year-old taxi driver Moses Mahlahlane on 10 December 2022, following a dispute with Mashakeng.

Victor Mashakeng is also scheduled to appear in court on 10 December 2024 for the murder of Joseph Raphahlelo, who was shot dead in the Seshego industrial area on 15 March 2021. An outstanding suspect, Percy Lebogo, remains at large, with a warrant for his arrest issued. Currently, Mashakeng faces six murder charges between 2017 and 2023, while Modiba faces three counts of murder.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner, commended the detectives’ efforts, expressing confidence that their diligent work will ensure these criminals face justice. Police investigations are continuing.