Relative arrested over murder of education official

● A relative has been arrested after an education department circuit manager in Limpopo was gunned down during what initially appeared to be a house robbery.

The 28-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday in connection with the killing of Dr Malekutu Johannes Mehlape, left.

She is expected to face a charge of murder and may face other charges as the investigation into the December 28 shooting is pursued by a team of investigators, including crime intelligence and murder and robbery unit members.

Mehlape, 56, was killed at home in Mankweng Zone 1, outside Polokwane.

The Sunday Times understands that in the early stages of the investigation it was established that a relative was ambushed at a function and taken to the house. The suspects demanded to know the whereabouts of Mehlape and robbed one of two people they had rounded up inside.

The armed suspects then combed the house and found Mehlape. He allegedly gave them cash and was then shot, and the suspects escaped.

A source privy to the investigation confirmed the initial outline of events and subsequent arrest of a relative.

Police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said yesterday police did not want to comment at this stage.

“We will be releasing a statement in a day or two on the matter. We are in the middle of an investigation and there are imminent arrests that will take place. We opted rather not to communicate ... because once you start communicating these guys will know that we are on their heels and might try and evade arrest.”

Mehlape was said to have led one of the best-performing circuits for 15 years in the Capricorn South district and his death was described as a great loss to the education sector by those who worked with him.