Hitmen Arrested in Fort Hare Assassination Case, One Still on the Run

In a major breakthrough for one of South Africa’s most shocking university-linked crime sprees, police have arrested two suspected hitmen connected to the murder of Mboneli Vesele, the loyal bodyguard of University of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu.

Vesele was gunned down outside the vice chancellor’s home in Alice, Eastern Cape, in January 2023 — a calculated killing that rocked the academic community and prompted national concern about corruption and contract killing within university structures.

Arrests Made in Johannesburg Following Public Tip-Off

The arrests, announced by police on Sunday, took place in Zakariyya Park, south of Johannesburg, on 21 June 2025. Acting on tip-offs from the public and intelligence work, authorities apprehended Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo, both of whom were previously wanted and had warrants issued against them.

The third suspect, Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane, remains at large, and police have urged anyone with information to contact Warrant Officer Nkosi (082 557 5789) or Sergeant Mokoena (081 851 7758).

A Trail of Violence at Fort Hare

Vesele’s murder was not an isolated incident. It’s part of a broader investigation into multiple killings and attempted assassinations tied to internal corruption probes at the University of Fort Hare.

Twelve people have now been arrested in total in relation to a deadly conspiracy that also includes the 2022 murder of UFH fleet manager Petrus Roets and the attempted killings of Professor Buhlungu and his deputy, Professor Renuka Vithal.

Among the arrested are Isaac Plaatjies, Bongani Peter, Sicelo Mbulawa, Wanini Khuza, and Lindokuhle Manjati, with some suspects still in custody awaiting trial.

Public Praise and Ongoing Search

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has publicly thanked the media, social media users, and community members who helped bring the suspects to justice.

“This was an operation that relied on the vigilance of ordinary South Africans. We salute everyone who contributed to these arrests,” said Masemola. He also applauded the persistence of the investigation team, which has been on the case since 2023.

A Case That’s Bigger Than a Campus

The Fort Hare murder case has underscored just how deeply corruption and violence can penetrate even the most respected public institutions. Professor Buhlungu’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has made him a target, but has also shed light on the darker corners of university governance, including allegations of tender fraud and ghost employees.

For many, the murder of his bodyguard was a chilling warning and the arrests now signal a turning point in the pursuit of justice.

Still More Questions Than Answers

While the recent arrests mark progress, the investigation is far from over. The capture of Jejane remains a priority, and prosecutors are preparing for what could be one of South Africa’s most high-profile corruption and murder trials.

For Fort Hare, a university rich in heritage and once attended by the likes of Nelson Mandela, the scandal is both a tragedy and a turning point.

The hope now is that justice will not only be served, but that it will serve as a deterrent to others who believe murder can silence accountability.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com