James Mohajane arrested after girlfriend, sister and boyfriend allegedly hacked to death

Members of the Moeka Vuma community handed wanted triple murder suspect James Mohajane over to police.

A 41-year-old man, James Mohajane, who was wanted in connection with the alleged murders of three people, including his girlfriend, has been arrested after members of the community handed him over to police less than 12 hours after his photograph was circulated.

Earlier on Thursday, IOL reported that police had launched a manhunt for Mohajane.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that at approximately 9:30am on Thursday, members of the Moeka Vuma community handed Mohajane over to police.

Mathe said Mohajane was the subject of an intensive manhunt after he was identified as the alleged perpetrator in the murders of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther's boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa.

Police arrested James Mohajane less than 12 hours after issuing a public alert.

“The three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at a house in Moeka Vuma near Makapanstad in the North West over the weekend.”

“Less than 12 hours after SAPS issued a public alert and circulated Mohajane’s photograph, the community of Moeka Vuma stood up and played a critical role in bringing the suspect to police.”

Mathe previously said Mohajane was nowhere to be found when police arrived at the scene.

Meanwhile, acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, expressed her appreciation to communities across the country, including the media and social media users, for their assistance in the swift apprehension of Mohajane.

Dimpane commended the community for its vigilance and cooperation, emphasising that community participation remains a critical component in preventing and solving serious and violent crimes.

"Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime.”

“The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody. We thank everyone who played a role,” said Dimpane.

Nort West man James Mohajane, 41, has been arrested in connection with the alleged murders of Moipone and Esther Lefoka and Tshepo Molekwa.