Alleged mastermind behind ex-Meloding councillor’s murder denied bail

The mastermind accused of plotting the murder of former Meloding ward councillor, was denied bail in the Virginia’s Magistrate Court on Tuesday, June 28.

The deceased was shot and killed while leaving the tavern he was an employee last year in September 2021, in preparations to the municipal elections.

Piet Moletsane, who was ANC member at the time of the murder was active in politics and was a candidate councillor for Ward 4 in Meloding.

Lejweleputswa police spokesperson, captain Stephen Thakeng said, the police traced and arrested two suspects in connection to the murder on 28 January.

“Following a thorough investigation, the police discovered that the two suspects were actually hired hitmen,” he said.

It was in May, when the police apprehended the third suspect in the murder case, Sephiri Jan Liphoko for his involvement in the murder case.

Furthermore, the former Ward 4 councillor is linked as the mastermind and the person who hired the two hitmen.

This murder case sat several times for formal bail application with postponements until to today’s sitting that had the community on the edge of their seats.

The court denied Liphoko bail and he will remain in the custody.

All three suspects will appear before the Virginia Magistrate’s Court on Friday, July 8.

“Until then however, they will remain in custody while the Provincial Organized Crime Unit investigates the matter,” said Thakeng.

Given the magnitude of the case and the huge public interest, the Lejweleputswa district commissioner, Major General Lerato Molale, and colonel Barry Senatla attended the court proceedings.