Update
GEORGE NEWS - A local pastor (30) from Thembalethu was arrested on Monday 16 July for the murder of Hlompho Mohapi (25).
He was arrested at his home in Zone 9 and will appear in the George Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday 19 July.
A vehicle, which police linked to the murder, was also confiscated for forensic testing. The suspect was initially arrested on an outstanding warrant of arrest relating to a previous assault charge.
According to reliable sources, police are investigating the possibility of Mohapi’s murder being premeditated. Unconfirmed reports suggest that a life insurance policy, with greed as a motive, could take centre stage as the investigation unfolds.
Mohapi's body was found next to the gravel road that leads to Voëlklip, a popular fishing spot in Herold's Bay, on Thursday 5 July. She had numerous stab wounds to her chest and her throat was partially slit.
First suspect in court
Phumlani Qusheka (28) from King Williams Town, the man who was arrested in Knysna on the Saturday after Mohapi's murder, made his second appearance in a jam-packed George Magistrate's Court on Monday 16 July. Qusheka was arrested with Mohapi's phone in his possession after it was traced by police. He was on his way back home. The case was postponed for a formal bail application on 25 July. He has no previous convictions.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie earlier said Qusheka could not be directly linked to Mohapi's murder at that stage and was in custody on a charge of possession of stolen goods.
Yesterday Pojie confirmed the pastor’s arrest, saying the investigation is at a very sensitive stage and that he can’t divulge too much information. “Our preliminary investigation implicates the pastor. We expect to make more arrests as the investigation unfolds.”
Before court proceedings on Monday, approximately 150 people marched from Thembalethu to court at the top of York Street in support of Mohapi's family, demanding that Qusheka be denied bail. Read more about the march here.
Funeral arrangements
Mohapi will be laid to rest in Thembalethu this coming Saturday, 21 July. The service will start at the Thembalethu community centre at 08:00, after which the procession will move to the Thembalethu cemetery.
Mohapi leaves behind her mother, two brothers, a sister and two daughters aged three and five.
During an interview Mohapi's mother, Patricia Koloi, said that it is a very difficult time for them. "I don't understand who would do such a thing. She still had her entire life ahead of her and she had dreams for the future," said a heartbroken Koloi.
Read a related article: Alleged fraudster tries leeching on grieving family
Read previous articles:
- Confiscated vehicle allegedly used in murder
- Voëlklip murder update
- Man arrested after Voëlklip murder
- Victim texts for help before murder
- Vrou se liggaam op Voëlklip-Pad gevind
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