ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.

NORTH WEST: A 72-year-old landlord has been arrested after he fatally shot his tenant at a plot outside Hartbeespoortdam near Brits. According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, the 66-year-old tenant approached his landlord when he discovered that there was no electricity and water at his place. Following an argument that ensued between the two, the landlord went inside his house and came back with a firearm and allegedly shot the victim on his upper body. The suspect fled from the scene while the victim was transported to the hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The suspect was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation conducted around the Skeerport area and the police also recovered a firearm, which will be subjected to ballistics tests. The suspect is expected to appear in the Brits Magistrate's Court today.

NORTH WEST: A man who allegedly raped and killed his girlfriend's cousin in July made a brief appearance at the Lichtenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday. The 33-year-old Mokhele Andries Thebehali was apprehended by the provincial anti-gang unit last week Thursday. According to information at the police's disposal, a missing person inquiry was opened at Itsoseng police station on Monday, 01 July 2024, after Naledi Masigo failed to come back home. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said according to reports, Naledi went to a tavern in Bodibe village to celebrate her birthday with her cousins on Saturday, 29 June 2024, where they met Thebehali, who is one of Naledi's cousins' boyfriends. Thebehali committed to buy them meat for the celebrations and then suggested that they go to another tavern, but Naledi's cousins refused. "The accused then left the place with Naledi. That was the last time she was seen alive. Following a missing person inquiry, Naledi's body was found in the bushes near a farm outside Lichtenburg on Tuesday, 02 July 2024, by a truck driver," said Funani. Thebehali, who was on parole when the incident happened, was arrested at his residence on Thursday, 19 September 2024, after investigations linked him to the crime. He is expected to appear before the same court today. 

FREE STATE: A police constable was shot and killed during a shootout with criminals in Phahameng township outside Welkom on Sunday. Police spokesperson Captain Loraine Earlet said Constable Mojalefa Borolo (30) and his colleagues, including backup members from the Public Order Police Unit, responded to a complaint, and when they arrived at the house, suspects locked themselves in the house and blocked all doors from inside. Police entered the house and subsequently three men were fatally wounded. Borolo was fatally shot during the exchange of fire. Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Solly Lesia extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Borolo and said his sacrifice will not be forgotten. Earlet said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspects is currently underway. 

MPUMALANGA: A 39-year-old South African man has been arrested after he was found attempting to cross the border of South Africa into eSwatini with R424 800 in cash. Captain Sekgotodi Dineo said the man was apprehended when he was jumping through the fence and the Hawks officials searched him. "He was holding a black plastic bag containing a cash amount of R424 800, which was found and seized. Information was escalated to the Hawks Secunda-based serious commercial crime investigation, which took over the crime scene. During interrogation, the suspect was questioned about the money, its origin, and where it was taken. He failed to give a clear explanation. It was also discovered that the money was not declared as per FICA 38 of 2001 in terms of Section 54 read with Section 30. He was then arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property," Segotodi said. The money was seized and booked in SAP 13. The suspect is expected to appear before the Elukwatini Magistrate's Court today.