BLOEMFONTEIN – The identities and origins of the three women killed execution-style in Bloemfontein early in February have been revealed, as police in Bloemfontein continue to piece together the puzzle in their investigations. Two are believed to be Lesotho nationals and one is confirmed as a South African citizen.
The police confirmed the identities of two victims as Malefu Tenei (26) and Tefelo Consolation Monyooe (27) and identified the third deceased, Hadiyo Lucia Makutoane (35), as being from SA. The bodies of the two foreign women were found on the street in the Namibia Square area on 8 February at around 01:50. Police confirmed both victims had gunshot wounds to the back of their heads.
The body of Makutoane was found beside Meadows Road in Springfield on 7 February by a private security guard, who alerted the Bloemspruit police. The investigation revealed she had three gunshot wounds: to her temple, behind the right ear, and to the chest. The police reported she was found lying on her back.
Following additional breakthroughs in the identities of the two women, police arrested a Lesotho male national and discovered a 9mm pistol with six rounds of live ammunition.
Sgt. Mahlomola Kareli, police spokesperson for the Free State, said prime suspect Ramokoatsi Leferesane (34), who calls himself “Maliehe Maliehe”, will reappear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on 19 March following the postponement of the matter for further investigation into the killings of the two women. He is remanded in custody and a preliminary investigation revealed he was a flight risk as he was undocumented in SA.
The police are striving to piece together evidence to link the unlicensed firearm, including the ammunition discovered, to the brutal killings. Kareli said the recovered firearm would be sent for ballistic testing, and thereafter a report will be made public on whether the gun was the same one used in all three incidents.
The police are appealing for public assistance to solve the murder cases and gathering additional information about them. Anyone with helpful information is requested to contact the investigating officers at the Bloemspruit police detective unit, Sgt Sechaba Tsholo on 071 837 2521 or Lt Col Rankhala Ramasoala on 082 527 7390. Alternatively, information can be submitted via the My SAPS app, or by dialling the SAPS Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
