The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Free State province has successfully secured the extradition of two suspects wanted in connection with a double murder case that shocked the community in June 2024. The suspects, aged 32 and 30, were apprehended in Lesotho in July 2024 and have now been brought back to South Africa to face justice.
The suspects appeared in the Ladybrand Magistrate’s Court today, 07 January 2025. The case has been postponed to 13 January 2025 for the appointment of legal representation.
This case marks the third successful extradition of suspects linked to serious crimes under Free State police investigations. It highlights the growing cooperation between South African and Lesotho authorities in combating cross-border crime.
The extradition follows months of meticulous collaboration between SAPS and Lesotho law enforcement agencies, facilitated through international legal frameworks. The suspects are alleged to have fled to Lesotho after the brutal murders that occurred at the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry on 11 June 2024.
Police were summoned to an incident at the long-distance taxi drop-off near the Border Post following reports of a shooting. On arrival, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of Moholi Mohapi, also known as “Bohome” (31), and Rebone David Sephaka, also known as “Serurubele” (40), lying in a pool of blood next to a taxi they had just alighted from.
It is alleged that an unknown number of males disembarked from a white Isuzu bakkie and opened fire on passengers exiting the taxi, which was traveling from Johannesburg. After the shooting, the suspects fled in the bakkie.
A swift response from police led to the vehicle being intercepted on the R26 near Manyatseng by Ladybrand police. However, two suspects fled into the darkness, leaving behind the driver. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm firearm, which was confiscated. The driver, Seun Gert Moloi (30), was arrested, appeared in the Ladybrand Magistrate Court and was granted bail of R8 000.
The two suspects, Teboho Tsiu (32) and LIneo Walatsa (30), who fled were later traced to Lesotho. After an extensive legal process, they were extradited back to South Africa yesterday, 6 January 2025, at the Maseru Bridge Port of Entry. Both suspects now face charges of double murder and attempted murder.
