Limpopo police arrest suspect in Tebogo Mothapo murder after cellphone leads investigators

Limpopo police have arrested a 29-year-old suspect in connection with the December killing of businessman Tebogo Mothapo, after officers found the victim’s cellphone during an intelligence-led operation in Mankweng.

Arrest follows recovery of stolen cellphone

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the arrest took place on Monday, 20 July 2026, when members of the Provincial Tracking Team and Investigation Unit moved on Ga-Mothapo, Tjatjaneng village. The suspect, described in the police statement as a naturalised South African citizen of Pakistani origin, was found in possession of Mothapo’s cellphone, which police say was stolen on the night of the killing.

“On Monday, 20 July 2026, members of the Provincial Tracking Team and Investigation Unit swooped on Ga-Mothapo, Tjatjaneng village, where the suspect – a naturalised South African citizen of Pakistani origin – was found in possession of Mothapo’s cellphone, stolen on the night of the killing.” Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba

Case details and next steps

The victim, 43-year-old Tebogo Mothapo, was shot outside his home in Zone 1 on 16 December 2025. Mashaba said the motive for the killing was unclear at the time and that the investigation had been transferred to the Provincial Office for deeper probing.

Police confirmed the suspect will appear in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, facing charges of murder and possession of suspected stolen property. Authorities said more arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

Separate sexual offences arrest in Thohoyandou

The police statement also reported a separate operation in Thohoyandou that resulted in the arrest of a 55-year-old suspect linked to a series of sexual offences, including a rape dating back to December 2025. Detectives and members of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit intercepted the man during a joint operation on Monday, 20 July 2026, after he allegedly kidnapped a 19-year-old woman in the CBD.

Police allege the suspect lured women into his vehicles described as a white GWM or silver-grey Volvo and then drove them to the Nandoni River where he allegedly raped and robbed them. The man is also linked to attempted rape and theft earlier in July 2026. Mashaba said the operation demonstrates the police commitment to protecting vulnerable women and that the suspect will appear in court soon.

What police say next

Mashaba said investigations into both matters are continuing and that police will pursue every lead until related cases are fully investigated.