Police Arrest Two Hitmen
By Thobeka Makume
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has expressed gratitude to members of the media, social media users, and the broader public for their instrumental role in helping law enforcement authorities arrest two suspects wanted in connection with the murder of Mboneli Vesele, the bodyguard of University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu.
Vesele was shot and killed on 6 January 2023, while seated inside a vehicle parked outside the Vice-Chancellor’s residence in Alice, Eastern Cape. The brazen attack, which shocked the academic and national community, is one of several violent incidents linked to corruption investigations at the university.
Public Tip-Off Leads to Arrests in Zakkariya Park
Acting on intelligence gathered with the help of the public, a multi-disciplinary SAPS team successfully tracked two of the suspects to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg on 21 June 2025.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has since confirmed the arrest of:
• Bafana Chiliza, and
• Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo.
Both men were wanted in connection with the assassination of Vesele and other criminal acts linked to a broader investigation into organised hit squads targeting individuals at the University of Fort Hare. The suspects remain in custody and will face charges in due course.
One Suspect Still at Large
Despite the breakthrough, the third suspect — Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane — remains on the run. SAPS has urged the public to come forward with any information that may lead to his arrest.
A J50 warrant of arrest was issued for all three suspects on 15 November 2024, when SAPS also published their photographs and made a public appeal for assistance.
“Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects. We thank all stakeholders for playing their part,” said General Masemola.
Total of 12 Arrested in Fort Hare Murders
The arrests of Chiliza and Maphumulo bring the total number of suspects detained in connection with the Fort Hare University murder investigations to 12, with 10 arrests made since 2023. Several of those suspects remain in police custody, and investigations are continuing.
General Masemola also commended the investigation team for its persistence and dedication:
“We salute the officers who have worked around the clock to bring those responsible for the killings at Fort Hare to justice,” he said.
The Fort Hare murders form part of a larger probe into criminal syndicates believed to be linked to tender irregularities and institutional corruption, where university staff and affiliates became targets after exposing financial misconduct.
Public Assistance Still Needed
SAPS continues to appeal to anyone who may know the whereabouts of Siphiwo Jejane to contact:
• Warrant Officer Nkosi on 082 557 5789, or
• Sergeant Mokoena on 081 851 7758.
The public is reminded that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 112 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Local Municipality’s R2 Billion Budget Rejected as Unfunded by Free
State Treasury
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube