Authorities are following leads to locate Refiloe Malope, this follows news of the arrest of a SAPS officer in connection with her abduction. Photo: @SAPoliceService / Twitter and South African Police Service / Facebook
Refiloe Malope: Gauteng cop ARRESTED in connection with kidnapping
A 40-year-old Gauteng-based SAPS officer has been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of 31-year-old Limpopo native Refiloe Malope.
Authorities are following leads to locate Refiloe Malope, this follows news of the arrest of a SAPS officer in connection with her abduction. Photo: @SAPoliceService / Twitter and South African Police Service / Facebook
The Nebo Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo will see a Gauteng-based South African Police Service (SAPS) officer and an alleged accomplice. The duo are expected to appear before the court on charges of kidnapping and obstructing the course of justice in connection with the abduction of Refiloe Malope in May this year.
Who are the two suspects arrested for allegedly abducting Malope?
Malope was allegedly taken by force by two people. These individuals were seen shoving the 31-year-old woman into the boot of a vehicle. The traumatic abduction occurred at the Kgaphamadi Village in Limpopo on 9 May.
Spokesperson for the Limpopo SAPS Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said that one of the suspects is a 40-year-old police sergeant who was stationed at the Benoni SAPS in Gauteng. His accomplice is a 39-year-old.
Mojapelo explained that the pair were arrested during a joint intelligence-driven operation that was led by the Limpopo tracking team, provincial organised crime as well as Hlogotlou detectives.
The SAPS officer was arrested at work on Tuesday, 21 June. His 39-year-old alleged accomplice was arrested at a hideout in Apel.
Is there any information on Malope?
Mojapelo shared shocking information about the whereabouts of Malope. According to the SAPS spokesperson, a lead is currently being followed. Information suggests that Malope may have been murdered and her body dumped into a discontinued ventilation mine shaft in Benoni, reports IOL.
“The search and rescue unit of the SAPS in Benoni and the Department of Mineral Resources have been requested to assist in these efforts. The operation will commence as soon as the necessary equipment to access the shaft are made available,”
said Mojapelo.
Still no sign of Limpopo abducted woman
Previously, it was reported that it was on 9 May 2022 when residents of the area said they saw men forcing a woman into the boot of a white sedan. The unknown men sped off in the direction of Motsephiri around 10:00.
The Police in Hlogotlou outside Groblersdal in Limpopo, seek information that can assist in tracing the suspects. Refiloe Malope was never seen again since this incident occurred.
Meanwhile, police are calling on Modirelwa Maxwell Mokoana, to go to the nearest police station. It is believed that he can assist in the investigations. According to police, the victim was approached by one of the suspects under the pretence that he was looking for assistance with his vehicle. Read the full story here.
