Lejwe Mofokeng, a law enforcement officer and close protector of the municipal manager,  advocate Mzwakhe Mofokeng, appeared in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday (12/6) following his arrest on Thursday.

Free State Hawks spokesperson Lt. Col. Zweli Mohobeleli said Mofokeng was arrested on charges of alleged illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as contravention of the Firearms Control Act. The case was provisionally withdrawn pending further investigation.

Phuthaditjhaba

“Members of the Bethlehem serious organised crime investigation gleaned information the suspect was possessing firearms illegally. Accompanied by the Tactical Response Team (TRT), they visited the Phuthaditjhaba new hall where the municipal manager was scheduled to hold a meeting. 

“Upon searching the suspect, one firearm and ammunition were found on his person,” said Mohobeleli.

Investigators subsequently searched the suspect’s residence, where additional firearms-related items were allegedly recovered. Members proceeded to the suspect’s place of residence, where one firearm, magazines, and ammunition were found, he said.

Further investigations by the Hawks revealed the suspect had been declared unfit to possess a firearm in July 2021 in the Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court. It was also established the suspect is possessing firearms without a prescribed competency certificate.

The arrest has reignited scrutiny surrounding Mofokeng’s employment history and conduct while serving in a municipal law enforcement role. He was arrested in March 2026 after allegedly pointing a firearm at a colleague during working hours at municipal offices.

His appointment within the municipality has also come under renewed examination following a 2020 fraud conviction linked to the use of a fraudulent matric certificate. 

The latest developments have raised questions about how he was appointed to a law enforcement position and permitted access to municipal resources despite his previous conviction and legal challenges. The investigation remains ongoing.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

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