North West community members help police track down triple murder suspect

Less than 12 hours after launching an intensive manhunt, police have arrested 41-year-old, James Mohajane, in connection with the murders of his girlfriend and two other people.

It is alleged that Mohajane hacked his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa, to death with a spade at a house in Makapanstad, North West, over the weekend.

National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, says the three victims were last seen together at Molekwa’s house, where the three bodies were later found.

Mathe says while the motive behind the incident is still unknown at this stage, the suspect’s phone was found at the crime scene.

She says less than 12 hours after Mohajane’s photo was circulated in the media, members of the Moeka Vuma community handed him over to the police.

Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended the community for its efforts in the fight against crime.

“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime. The swift response by the community of Moeka Vuma, together with the assistance of the media and social media users who shared the suspect’s photograph, has contributed significantly to bringing this wanted suspect into police custody. We thank everyone who played a role,” Dimpane said.

This comes just a week after community members in Klerksdorp assisted police in the arrest of a Soweto man, Simiso Phakati, in connection with the murder of his girlfriend, Jabulisile Tshabalala.

Tshabalala’s body was discovered in the back room the couple shared in Soweto, six days after she was reported missing.

[ARRESTED] Thank you to all communities across the country, as well as members of the media and social media users, for their assistance in the swift apprehension of 41-year-old James Mohajane.

Less than 12 hours after a public alert was issued and Mohajane’s photograph… https://t.co/FKKoxwD9Pi pic.twitter.com/vKGjCmcb4l

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) August 27, 2026