Elvis Hlongwane (29) and Alexander Hobjana (40) appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court this morning, 04 August 2023, facing charges of murder, carjacking and robbery.
It is alleged that on 17 July 2023, the deceased, Warrant Officer Gaonathebe Diphephenyane, was travelling from Kimberley to Rustenburg on an official trip when he was allegedly hijacked in Klerkskraal in the North West. The member was allegedly robbed of the state vehicle, cellphone and money.
The member’s lifeless body, with signs of strangulation, was found dumped next to a road on 18 July 2023 in Klerkskraal.
A multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section, Crime Intelligence, North West and Northern Cape Provincial detectives, Criminal Record and Crime Scene Management was assembled to work on the case.
Information gathered led the team to Boikhutsong, Vosloorus and Brakpan, where four suspects aged between 29 and 40 were arrested between 31 July 2023 and 02 August 2023.
Hlongwane and Hobjana briefly appeared in court today, and their matter was postponed to 11 August 2023 for formal bail application.
Thabiso Phendela (29) and Sthembiso Molaba (31) have since appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 02 August 2023 and their matter was postponed to 01 September 2023 pending further investigation.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has commended the team’s swiftness in tracing and arresting the suspects.