WESSELSBRON – Police have arrested eight suspects in two separate investigations in Wesselsbron, including three men wanted for murder and five people linked to an alleged farm theft involving an undisclosed amount of money.

The arrests followed investigations by Wesselsbron detectives and an intelligence-led operation involving the Welkom Public Order Police (POP) and Crime Intelligence.

Three arrested for Monyakeng murder

Three men aged between 24 and 37 have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old man in Monyakeng, Wesselsbron, on 17 October.

The victim, identified as Mamokgwa Simon Leeto, was shot dead and declared deceased at the scene.

A murder case was opened, and three men were identified as possible suspects.

According to police, Wesselsbron detectives received information about one of the suspects while interviewing a possible witness on Monday, 26 October.

At approximately 04:00 the following morning, detectives followed up the information at an address in Riebeeckstad, Welkom, where the first suspect was arrested.

Further investigations led detectives, working with the Welkom Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), to the two remaining suspects in Thabong, where they were also apprehended.

Katleho Molaoa (24), Tshepo Morabe (24) and Andries Kombelane (37) appeared in the Wesselsbron Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 28 October, facing a charge of murder.

The three accused remain in custody and are expected to return to the same court on 11 November for a bail application.

Police said the motive for the killing remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

Five arrested in farm theft investigation

In a separate operation, five suspects aged between 21 and 28 were arrested following an alleged theft at a farm in the Wesselsbron area.

The theft reportedly occurred between 24 September and 20 October, during which an undisclosed amount of money was allegedly stolen.

On Thursday, 29 October, at approximately 14:00, members of Welkom POP Platoon 5 acted on information received from Welkom Crime Intelligence about a farm employee allegedly in possession of stolen money.

The information led police to an informal settlement in Monyakeng, where the main suspect was spotted driving a white Toyota Tazz.

Police requested and obtained permission to search the vehicle. During the search, officers discovered 12 zip-lock bags containing crystal methamphetamine and five full Mandrax tablets.

The suspect was arrested for possession of suspected drugs.

Further investigation led police to his residence, where R28 500 in cash was allegedly found hidden beneath a newly purchased wardrobe. Two additional suspects were arrested at the residence.

Police also followed up on information about money allegedly lent out by the main suspect. At a farm dwelling identified by him, officers found a man who had allegedly received R20 000.

The man reportedly had only R2 700 remaining and was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.

Investigators subsequently followed another lead about drugs allegedly hidden at an informal settlement. At a shack, a woman was found in possession of substances suspected to be drugs.

Police confiscated 38 full Mandrax tablets and two medium-sized zip-lock bags containing crystal methamphetamine.

The seized vehicle, cash and suspected drugs were booked in as evidence for further investigation.

The five suspects are expected to appear in the Wesselsbron Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to possession of suspected stolen property and suspected drugs.

ALSO READ: Police bust an adult woman for dealing in drugs, including Mandrax and Crystal Meth