Update: Alleged Limpopo cop killer rearrested after escape

Limpopo police have arrested an inmate who allegedly killed an officer, stole money from the police station safe, and escaped.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon at about 16h30 in Mutale, outside Thohoyandou, in the Vhembe District.

After a police manhunt, the suspect was arrested on Sunday 29 November when his uncle took him to a traditional healer at one of the villages under Mutale policing area.

Officers arrest suspected cop killer

In a statement, police said,”A team of investigators received information about this and made a follow up. They then pounced on them this morning and arrested both the suspect and his uncle.”

“Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba welcomed the arrest of the suspect and his uncle, within 72 hours after the suspect allegedly killed a 57-year-old Warrant Officer, Mmbulaheni Ronald Mulanduli in the cells of Mutale police station on Friday 27 November 2020,” the statement said.

Police also recovered the alleged murder weapon, the keys and some of the money that was stolen.

The suspect’s uncle will face a charge of defeating the ends of justice. The suspect aged 22 will, in addition to the rape, kidnapping and violation of a protection order he was initially arrested on, face charges of murder, escaping from lawful custody and robbery.

At the time of his arrest on Friday 27 November 2020, he was out on R4000 bail for car hijacking he allegedly committed in January this year.

Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the suspect was in custody after being arrested on Friday on charges of rape, kidnapping, and violation of a protection order.

Police said the deceased officer routinely visited the cells and was attacked by the suspect who stabbed him several times.

Murder, robbery and escaping from lawful custody have been now been added to his charge sheet.