Five murder suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday (4/6) for murder.

They made their first court appearance on Monday (27/5). Their arrest stems from the death of Elissa Nikolene Maponyane (44), who was allegedly shot several times on Thursday (23/5).

The incident occurred at the victim's place in Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom. “The victim was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) at the scene,” said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh.

Johannes Maponyane (74). Photo: Potchefstroom Herald

“Information received regarding the incident led a team to a township, near Fochville, where all five suspects, aged between 19 and 48, were arrested on Friday (24/5).”

“The accused are Mpho Visagie (19), Tebogo Lipholo (32), Phoka Raphoka (36), Mpho Lombard (32), and John Mohahabe (48),” said Myburgh.

“During the arrest, the police confiscated a Volkswagen Jetta vehicle, two firearms, and ammunition alleged to have been used during the commission of the crime.”

The police confiscated two firearms and ammunition. Photo: SAPS

Klerksdorp Record reports a murder-for-hire conspiracy was unravelled by police detectives with the arrest of five men linked to the murders of Johannes Maponyane (74) in September last year, his son, Peter (34), in January and daughter, Elissa (44) last week.

The late Peter Maponyane was a well-known businessman in Klerksdorp and owner of Samambu Funeral Parlour. He was shot and killed inside his car while parked outside his business.

Five arrested after third family member’s murder ... greed and family feuds ...almost the entire Maponyane family. A murder for hire ...arrest of five men linked to the murders of Johannes Maponyane (74) in September ... daughter, Elissa (44) last week ... https://t.co/ZfZKw0RqbV

— Mthobel Nathan Heshu (@mheshu) June 2, 2024

His father, Johannes Maponyane was gunned down a few months earlier in Mohadin, Potchefstroom. It was also bullets that claimed the life of Elissa at her place in Ikageng.

Potchefstroom Herald reported in October 2023 that Johannes Maponyane was allegedly found on the grass on his back in front of his house with suspected gunshot wounds to his body. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene at around 19:30 on Tuesday 26 September 2023.

His motor vehicle was also still idling in front of the main gate. Neighbours were alerted when they heard gunshots, but could not determine the identity of the people who shot him.

“We can confirm that a murder case has been opened and investigations are underway,” said North West police spokesperson, Sam Tselanyane.

The family offered a reward of R200 000 for information regarding the death and valid information about the perpetrators.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cg