South African Police Capture Suspect, Thabo Molobela, in Limpopo Family Shooting Spree Where He Shot His Wife, Their Kid and Two Others

A 35-year-old security guard, Thabo Molobela, who had been evading authorities after allegedly shooting six family members, resulting in the deaths of two individuals in Limpopo, South Africa, has been apprehended by the police.

The arrest of the suspect took place at Santeng village, situated outside Sekororo in Limpopo on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

Reportedly, the suspect's troubled marital relationship with his wife had remained unresolved, ultimately leading to a horrifying incident in which he allegedly opened fire on her, their child, her sister, and cousin. 

This tragic event occurred while the family members were inside a car, preparing to depart from Makgophong village in Magatle on August 19, 2023, at approximately 7:00 PM.

Regrettably, the wife's cousin and sister succumbed to their injuries, while she and her one-year-old child were left in critical condition. The deceased individuals were identified as Reneilwe Phogole, 39 (cousin), and Adelaide Mapulane, 29 (sister).

It is alleged that on the fateful day, the couple, residing in the same village (Makgophong), initially met to address their relationship issues but subsequently, the suspect turned violent towards the family.

In the early hours of September 14, 2023, a collaborative operation involving the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Murder and Robbery units, Magatle Detectives, Private Securities, and Farm Watch was conducted based on intelligence leads.

The suspect was traced to Santeng village in Hoedspruit, located outside Sekororo. 

Upon police arrival, he reportedly attempted suicide by shooting himself, but law enforcement managed to disarm him. He was swiftly transported to a local hospital for medical attention and has since been discharged and detained in custody.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, commended the operational team for their efforts in apprehending the suspect and emphasized the importance of seeking professional assistance when facing marital issues.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Magatle Magistrate's Court soon, facing charges of two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.

 

In another news, six individuals are now in custody following the shocking discovery of a woman's lifeless body inside a trunk near a popular Gwinnett County spa. This grim revelation led authorities into what they describe as a "house of horrors," where the victim had suffered severe beatings and starvation, ultimately leading to her tragic demise. See detailed story here.

[SOURCE]