The police in Limpopo are on the manhunt for a 22-year-old murder suspect linked to a group accused of killing a man for his Road Accident Fund payout. It's alleged that Tebogo Maboa, popularly known as Lepai, and his four accomplices including his mother, strangled their 59-year-old victim at his home in Sebayang outside Polokwane in July last year.

KILLED FOR HIS RAF PAYOUT

Police spokesperson Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the victim was at his home in the Sebayeng location when he was attacked and strangled to death by five suspects comprising two men and three women. "The suspects allegedly demanded a payout lump sum of cash money the victim had just received following a motor vehicle accident. The deceased seemingly failed to comply and was strangled by the suspects, who fled the scene on foot afterward," Thakeng said. A case of murder was opened, and police investigations led to the arrest of four suspects in December.

SUSPECT FLED TO GAUTENG

According to Thakeng, Lepai managed to evade arrest and has since been on the run, and he is suspected to have fled to Gauteng province. "He might be hiding in Alexandra, Edenvale, or Olivenhoutbosh," added Thakeng. The four suspects, Wilson Mashao Malatji (24), Tebatso Mahakwana (23), Flora Mabitsela (39), and Lepai's mother, Kate Maboa (41), appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate Court yesterday facing a charge of murder. The suspects were remanded in police custody, and the matter was postponed until Tuesday for formal bail application and further police investigations. Anyone with information that can assist with Lepai's arrest is asked to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Francina Selepe, at 0670839692 or the crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.