This is according to police spokesperson in the Free State, Sam Makhele, who told OFM News that the suspects made their first appearance at the Welkom Magistrate’s Court yesterday (Friday). 

Makhele said that the men remain in police custody and the matter had to be postponed to Monday, 19 November, as the men do not yet have legal representatives.

Initially, three men, believed to be Lesotho nationals were arrested in connection to this murder. Police then arrested a fourth suspect on Thursday and are yet to issue more information regarding the fourth suspect. 

Police have also stated that more arrests will be made in this case. 

Meanwhile, OFM News reliably learnt that the deceased, who was known as Shai Mohapi, was a top mining official at Harmony Gold Mine in Welkom. 

When quizzed whether his death may be related to illicit mining in the area, Makhele said he could not confirm this as interrogation has not been completed.

Mohapi was shot while seated inside his car at the parking lot of the Commando Shopping Centre in Welkom last week Saturday. 

The Mineral Resources Committee also extended their condolences to Mohapi’s family and further noted with dismay the recent criminal activity in the area, with specific regards to a separate matter OFM News also reported on.

In that matter, nine men were arrested last week for the alleged kidnapping of the wife of Johnny Botha, who is a manager at the Harmony Mine in Welkom. 

The suspects then demanded two gold bars as ransom for Botha’s wife and the Hawks in the province, which were already on the matter, arrested the men a few days after the exchange between the victim and suspects were made. 

The men were arrested in Welkom and Odendaalsrus, which is 10 kilometres from Welkom and six vehicles, a gas pistol, a pellet gun, R1,3 million in cash and several gold nuggets were confiscated from the men during the arrest. 

The men, who appeared at the local court on Monday, have been remanded in custody and will appear again on Monday for their bail application. 

They face charges of kidnapping, stealing a precious metal, extortion and money laundering.

OFM News