A trigger-happy Lesotho national, Rakhahi Mmpapea (30), wanted for months regarding a murder in Botshabelo, is remanded in custody after his eventual arrest by the Free State police. He briefly appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 September, after his arrest on Saturday, 21 September.
Sgt Sinah Mpakane, spokesperson for the provincial police, said Mmpapea was traced to his hideout and charged with murder and contravention of the Immigration Act, being illegally in South Africa. The murder pertains to the fatal shooting of Moloko Ignatius Mokgoetsi. Mpakane said the deceased was reportedly shot dead inside a family home in Section C, Botshabelo, on 29 June this year. The deceased worked as a security guard in Bloemfontein.
The murder suspect is set to reappear in court on 21 October following the postponement of the case due to further investigation. Mpakane said the postponement was for bail information, while the suspect remains behind bars. She said the suspect reportedly shot the deceased during a heated dispute.
“It is alleged that on 29 June at about 20:00, the suspect arrived at his girlfriend’s parental home in Botshabelo and demanded she accompany him. This was after they had a quarrel because the suspect was armed with a firearm. It is reported that the suspect then fatally shot Mokgoetsi, uncle to the girlfriend during an apparent argument. He was declared dead on the scene,” said Mpakane.
The murder-accused Mmpapea fled the crime scene on foot. Mpakane said the investigation will look into his possible linking to other violent cases involving a firearm, and being illegally in South Africa.
