Police Arrest Security Officer Who Shot His Wife, Their Child, And Two Others In South Africa

Thabo Molobela, a 35-year-old security guard, has been detained in Limpopo, South Africa, on suspicion of killing two people and shooting four family members.

On Thursday, September 14, 2023, the suspect was taken into custody in Santeng hamlet, outside of Sekororo in Limpopo.

The suspect allegedly turned to shooting his wife, their child, as well as her sister and cousin because their marital issues had not yet been resolved.

On August 19, 2023, at around 19:00, these family members were preparing to leave Makgophong hamlet in Magatle when the terrible occurrence occurred while they were in a car.

Unfortunately, the wife’s cousin and sister succumbed to the injuries while she and her one-year-old child remained in critical condition.

The two deceased were identified as Reneilwe Phogole aged 39 (cousin) and Adelaide Mapulane aged 29 (sister).

It is alleged that on that fateful day, the couple residing in the same village (Makgophong) met to try to resolve their issues but later on, the suspect attacked the family.

In the early hours of 14 September 2023, members of the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Murder and Robbery, and Magatle Detectives jointly with Private Securities and Farm Watch conducted an Intelligence-led operation following leads.

The suspect was traced at Santeng village in Hoedspruit outside Sekororo. When Police arrived, he allegedly shot himself trying to commit suicide but Police managed to disarm him.

He was quickly transported to the local hospital for medical assistance. He is now discharged and detained in custody.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has hailed the operational team that traced and arrested the suspect.

“We commend the members for arresting the suspect, which brings us closer to justice for the victims. Let’s continue to open up when experiencing marital issues by consulting with professionals for help,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspect will appear before the Magatle Magistrate’s Court soon facing charges of two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.