Five murder suspects appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday (4/6) after a third family member’s murder.

They were remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Wednesday, 19 June, for a formal bail application.

They made their first court appearance on Monday, 27 May. Their arrests stem from the death of a woman (44) who was allegedly shot several times on Thursday, 23 May.

‘Elissa Maponyane was allegedly shot several times at her place’

“The five accused that have appeared in court today for the alleged murder of 44-year-old Elissa Maponyane will remain in custody until their next court appearance which will be on 19 June, where they will apply for bail,” said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh. “Elissa Maponyane was allegedly shot several times … in Ikageng Location, Potchefstroom at her place.”

“The victim was declared dead by Emergency and Medical Rescue Services at the scene. 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 May,” said Myburgh.

The accused are Mpho Visagie (19), Tebogo Lipholo (32), Phoka Raphoka (36), Mpho Lombard (32), and John Mohahabe (48). During the arrest, the police confiscated a Volkswagen Jetta, two firearms, and ammunition alleged to have been used during the commission of the crime.

‘A murder-for-hire conspiracy was unravelled by police detectives’

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.

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.

‘His motor vehicle was idling in front of the main gate’

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

His motor vehicle was still idling in front of the main gate. Neighbours were alerted when they heard gunshots, but could not determine the identity of 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 his death and valid information about the perpetrators.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh