UPDATE: THE SUSPECT IN THE MURDER CASE OF A CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICIAL REMANDED IN CUSTODY
POLOKWANE: A 38-year-old male suspect Johannes Moela appeared before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 14 May 2026, on a charge of murder. The case was postponed to Monday, 25 May 2026, for a formal bail application. The suspect was remanded in custody.
The suspect, who is the estranged husband of the deceased, was arrested on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, following the fatal shooting of a Correctional Services official on Tuesday morning, 12 May 2026.
It is alleged that at approximately 06:30, the victim was walking from her rented accommodation to her workplace at Modimolle Correctional Centre along Nelson Mandela Road when she was approached by the suspect. An altercation allegedly ensued, during which the victim was shot twice in the upper body.
The deceased was identified as Mankopodi Mathilda Moela (38), and was temporarily residing in Modimolle town. She was certified dead at the scene.
The suspect also surrendered his licensed firearm to the police.
Police investigations are continuing.
