FIFTH SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF GUMBU CHIEF AND OTHER KILLINGS

FIFTH SUSPECT ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE MURDER OF GUMBU CHIEF AND OTHER KILLINGS

POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest of a fifth suspect linked to the brutal murder of Chief Takalani Andries Gumbu (40) of Gumbu Village, along with other serious crimes committed in the Vhembe District.

The suspect, Mudau Salani Duncun (43), was apprehended on Sunday, 29 June 2025, at his hiding place in Dzwerani Village during a joint intelligence-driven operation conducted by detectives from Ṱhohoyandou, Masisi, and the Vhembe District Task Team.

Chief Gumbu was shot and killed in February 2023 after being ambushed outside his residence at approximately 22:00. Police found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds and he was declared dead at the scene.

Further investigations have linked Mudau to two additional murder cases: One in Tshamutumbu (November 2022), which also included a case of attempted murder, and another in Masisi (December 2022).

To date, the following five suspects have been arrested in connection with these crimes:

Oscar Ramphabana (39), Ramaano Rolivhuwa Ronald (34), Masakona Mulalo (42), Mahangwahaya Lodwick (37), and Mudau Salani Duncun (43).

The first four suspects were arrested between September 2023 and May 2025.

Mudau made his initial appearance in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today, in connection with the Tshamutumbu cases and is expected to join the other accused in the Masisi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 1 July 2025.

Investigations continue.