Suspect in Lesenepole woman's murder arrested, charged
Pini Bothoko | Tuesday November 10, 2026 12:59
The suspect was allegedly driving the deceased's vehicle when he was intercepted by police following efforts by the woman's family to establish her whereabouts.
It is alleged that the deceased and the suspect were last seen together at a bar in Lesenepole on Friday night, where they reportedly left together after it was closed.
On Saturday, members of the public allegedly spotted the suspect driving the woman's Honda Fit recklessly and alerted her son. Meanwhile, the family had been trying unsuccessfully to contact her since Saturday morning, with her phone ringing but going unanswered.
In an effort to locate his mother and her vehicle, the son reportedly made enquiries amongst members of the community. During his search, someone informed him that the suspect had called asking for money.
The son subsequently devised a plan to lure the suspect to Palapye. Pretending to be the person the suspect had allegedly contacted for money, he called him on Sunday and instructed him to collect the money in Palapye.
The suspect allegedly drove to Palapye and parked the vehicle at Old Palapye Mall before walking to meet the person he believed was bringing him money.
However, upon arrival, he allegedly discovered that he had been communicating with the deceased's son, who immediately questioned him about his mother's whereabouts and why he was driving her vehicle.
The suspect reportedly denied knowing anything about the woman's whereabouts, prompting the son to alert the police, who were nearby at Palapye Central Police Station.
Confirming the incident, Maunatlala Police Station commander, Superintendent Omphile Galani, said police in Palapye intervened and questioned the suspect, who allegedly admitted to killing the woman.
Galani said the suspect subsequently disclosed that he had left the deceased inside her vehicle at Old Palapye Mall parking lot.
'They went to where the vehicle was and found the woman wrapped with a blanket inside the vehicle. She was rushed to Palapye Primary Hospital, where she was certified dead on arrival by the doctors. Investigations are ongoing to establish how he took her life and why,' he said.
Galani said the suspect was arrested and remains in police custody as investigations continue.