Tshepang Joseph Leteane (23) and Nkululeko Moses Kraai (38) were remanded in custody after they briefly appeared before the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 30 April 2019, for the alleged hijacking,  kidnapping and murder of a 44-year-old teacher, Isaac Dekote Tlhapi.

The VIP Team now knows that the accused’s arrest and subsequent court appearance stems from an incident in which Tlhapi allegedly met with the accused at a tavern in Wolmaransstad. According to information available to the police at this stage, reports suggest that Tlhapi gave three men a lift, when they left the tavern. It is alleged that Tlhapi went missing since then.

“Tlhapi’s family reported him as missing on Friday, 26 April 2019 and his vehicle; a silver Nissan Qashqai was found abandoned at about 14:00 in Soweto.” Explained SAPS NW Spokesperson , Colonel Adéle Myburgh.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the two accused on Sunday, 28 April 2019. The naked body of Tlhapi was discovered with multiple stab wounds on Monday, 29 April 2019 at about 06:00 along the Makwassie – Leeudoringstad Road.

Investigation into the matter including tracing of the third suspect continues.

-The VIP Team

-SAPS NW