Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of 41-year-old Tivani Maluleke, including the mother of one of the suspects, who faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice. The arrests were made on Thursday, 2 April, following the killing in Mahonisi village near Elim on 7 February.
The suspects include two 20-year-olds and a 17-year-old minor, who is being held at a juvenile facility. All three face a charge of murder. The 49-year-old woman was arrested separately and faces a charge linked to the alleged destruction of evidence.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Waterval Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 7 April. Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the arrests and said investigations into the murder are ongoing.
Maluleke’s body was discovered on Saturday, 7 February, at about 06:45 in Mahonisi village near Elim. He was later identified as a resident of Mbhokota village. At the time of his death, he was renting in Mahonisi and working at Rivoni School for the Blind.
Police said a breakthrough came after tracing Maluleke’s cellphone, which led investigators to the suspects. The mother of one of the suspects was arrested after allegedly burning the cellphone believed to belong to the deceased.
According to police, two of the suspects had previously been arrested in connection with a separate murder case, that of Glen Nkuna.
Maluleke’s family said the arrests have brought some relief, but questions remain.
“The way his life was taken has really hurt us as a family,” said his younger brother, Lucky Maluleke. “When we were told that the suspects had been arrested, it brought a bit of relief, but the pain is still there. We were left with many unanswered questions, even though we know my brother will not come back.”
Police investigations are ongoing.