FORMER POLICE OFFICER APPEARS IN COURT FOR DOMESTIC-RELATED MURDER
18 March 2025
Mankweng, Limpopo – A 43-year-old former police officer, Mehlape Malesela Andries, appeared in the Mankweng Magistrates’ Court on charges of intimidation, arson, and murder. Andries, who was previously stationed at Yeoville Police Station in Johannesburg, allegedly targeted the mother of the deceased in a series of escalating threats and violent acts.
It is alleged that Andries was in a romantic relationship with the deceased’s mother and began sending her threatening text messages. A case of intimidation was subsequently opened against him. The following day, he reportedly went to her rental home and set fire to the door.
On 14 March 2025, in Ga-Thoka, Andries encountered the deceased, who was on her way to Klass Mothapo Secondary School with friends. He then allegedly stabbed her twice with a knife, resulting in her death. In a separate incident, it was revealed that the accused’s parent had obtained a protection order against him, barring him from entering their home. The case has been postponed to 24 March 2025 for the accused to obtain legal representation. He remains in custody.
