An alleged armed robber linked to the murder of a Sasolburg police officer and cash-in-transit heist in Limpopo, has appeared in the Welkom Magistrates’ Court regarding the officer’s murder. The suspect, Frimino David Matola (52), appeared in court yesterday, 14 November.
The charge of murder relates to the fatal shooting of Sgt Disema Steven Mapane (43) on 6 December last year in Thabong, Welkom. Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, said Matola, who evaded the police for months, was arrested on 21 September, regarding a cash-in-transit heist which took place in Hoedspruit, Limpopo.
He said Matola was returned to Welkom regarding the murder of Mapane. Singo said the murdered officer was part of a team that comprised members of the Sasolburg Public Order Policing (POP), Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Welkom detectives who were following-up on information about a suspect wanted regarding the armed robbery of a petrol station in Welkom on 24 November 2022.
“Information led the police to Lesitsa Street in Thabong where Matola resides. Upon arrival, a shoot-out ensued between the police and Matola. Officer Mapane was shot. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead,” said Singo. The officer was shot in the stomach.
He said the suspect was arrested regarding Mapane’s murder on 21 September, shortly after appearing in Hoedspruit for the cash-in-transit heist.
Singo said the case of murder against Matola has been remanded to 21 November.
