Free State Hawks spokesperson, Lynda Steyn, tells OFM News the investigation into the 2017 murders of Constables Obert Boitumelo Mekoa and Mzonani David Manjo, both 32 years old, is yet to yield any arrests and remains unsolved.

Their lifeless bodies were discovered at the community service centre where they worked by their colleagues who had just returned from their patrol at around 04:00 am, on 29 June 2017. It is reported Mekoa was shot in the head, while Manjo was shot in the back and neck in what at that stage appeared to be an ambush. One of the police officer’s service pistol was also reported missing. 

To date, it remains unknown what events led to the double murder, this is despite a R300 000 reward being offered at the behest of the then Free State Police Commissioner, Lebeoana Tsumane, for any information that could lead to arrests.

Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Free State policeman, Galeshewe Poonyane, has been laid to rest in his home town of Viljoenskroon on Sunday, 16 February in a service attended by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele; Free State Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane; and Police, Roads and Transport MEC, Sam Mashinini.

Poonyane was gunned down and killed on Saturday, 8 February 2020, as he and a female colleague, identified as Lydia Tladi, chased down a suspicious vehicle into Orkney in the North West where he was found dead. Tladi was injured in the shooting and has since been hospitalised for her injuries. The current status of her recovery is unknown. 

In contrast to the Koffiefontein double murder, four relatives who are between 25 and 38-years old, were swiftly arrested for the crime and have made their first court appearance already. It has been confirmed the relatives are Lesotho nationals.

OFM News