Breakthrough arrests in VC bodyguard murder

Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the investigating team working tirelessly to apprehend those behind the killings at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), following two more arrests. 

Police confirmed two men linked to the murder of Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu’s bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele, were apprehended.

Vesele was shot and killed inside a vehicle while waiting for the Vice Chancellor outside his home in Alice, in the Eastern Cape on January 6, 2023.  

He was assassinated by three suspects who were driving a maroon vehicle. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was confirmed dead at the scene.

These were among several incidents which rocked UFH at the time, including the murder of a fleet manager Petrus Roets in 2022, while several residences of senior management were also allegedly shot at.

The two suspects sought for Vesele's murder were nabbed on June 21, following intelligence and information from members of the public, which led officers to Zakkariya Park in Gauteng. 

On November 15, last year, SAPS had made a public call for help, after they published photographs of the alleged hitmen and a request to the public for the assistance of tracking down the three wanted suspects after obtaining a J50 warrant of arrest for Bafana Chiliza, Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo and Siphiwo “Spijojo “ Jejane. 

According to national police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, two of three wanted suspects, Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo, were apprehended and remain in police custody. 

A third suspect, Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane, is still at large. 

“Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects. We thank all stakeholders for playing their part,” Masemola said. 

The total number of suspects arrested in relation to the Fort Hare murders is now twelve. Ten others were arrested in 2023, with some still in police custody. 

Last year, IOL reported that according to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), after Buhlungu was appointed UFH Vice-Chancellor in 2017, he discovered serious deals of maladministration, corruption, and fraud.

What came next was a string of hits and Buhlungu appealing to President Cyril Ramaphosa to ensure his safety. Buhlungu alleged there was a syndicate within the Eastern Cape university working with business people who were service providers and politicians, IOL reported.

The UFH did not respond to requests for comment on the arrest by deadline. 

Anyone with information on Jejane’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Nkosi on 0825575789 or Sergeant Mokoena on 0818517758.

Cape Times