Police hunt fraud and murder suspects what Joburg residents should know

Two wanted: fraud suspect in Western Cape, murder suspect in Limpopo

Police have asked the public to help trace two men wanted in separate serious cases a 63-year-old wanted in the Western Cape for alleged fraud and a 43-year-old wanted in Limpopo for a fatal panga attack. The appeal was published by IOL.

Who the police are looking for

In the Western Cape, Louis Agrela, 63, is wanted by police in Lamberts Bay on a charge of fraud said to have been committed between October 2018 and August 2023. The Clanwilliam Magistrate’s Court issued a warrant for his immediate arrest, according to the report.

In Limpopo, police are searching for Mashabela Open Molwantwa, 43, who is wanted on a charge of murder and two counts of attempted murder after a panga attack in Modimolle Village near Dophale during the early hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026. The attack left Karabo Mochadi, 43, dead at the scene, and two other people aged 23 and 43 with serious injuries who were taken to a local hospital.

Official appeals and contact details

Police urged anyone with information about Louis Agrela to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Charlie Bonn, at 079 894 1680 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

For information on Mashabela Open Molwantwa, Detective Captain Ngwanatlana Phasha can be contacted at 082 414 3070, or members of the public can visit the nearest police station, call CrimeStop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp, the article says.

What Johannesburg residents should take from this

Although both incidents occurred outside Gauteng, they illustrate how provincial wanted alerts operate: police publish identifying information, the alleged offences, and specific contact numbers so the public can pass on tips. Such alerts are aimed at locating suspects whether they remain in their home province or move elsewhere.

For Joburg residents this means:

• If you recognise a name, photo or vehicle description from a public appeal, contact the numbers given rather than confronting a suspected person.
• Use official reporting channels listed in the alert police stations, CrimeStop, or the MySAPSApp to ensure information reaches investigators.
• Stay cautious: do not share unverified details on social media that could hinder an investigation.

Police statement

“Police in Lamberts Bay are seeking the assistance of the public to trace Louis Agrela, 63, who is wanted for fraud which was committed between October 2018 and August 2023. A warrant for his immediate arrest was issued by the Clanwilliam Magistrate’s Court,” Sergeant Wesley Twigg said.

Police said in Limpopo that the suspect fled the scene immediately after the attack and is currently being sought by police. They appealed to anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspect to contact Detective Captain Ngwanatlana Phasha or visit the nearest police station.

Why these alerts matter

Wanted-suspect alerts help police widen their search beyond official patrols by tapping public vigilance. They can accelerate arrests and protect communities by quickly circulating details about potentially dangerous individuals. The IOL article is the source of the details in this report.

Source: IOL