×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

WANTED MAN HELD AFTER TIP-OFF

LIMPOPO police have made a breakthrough in arresting a man who was sought in connection with several cases including murder, kidnapping, fraud and theft.

The arrest of Thomas Monty Mothoa followed a tip-off from community members who saw his picture in the Sowetan early this year.

Mothoa, pictured , of Solomondale outside Polokwane, was wanted for a spate of robberies he allegedly committed in Limpopo, North West and the Free State.

This paper published a story about Mothoa's activities and his picture on April 17, after he had escaped from police custody allegedly with the help of a police officer.

The officer has since resigned after being charged with aiding a suspect to escape.

Mothoa was arrested on Sunday in Mapela village outside Mokopane.

He was allegedly found in possession of 59 bank cards, which would form part of police investigations.

Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mohale Ramatseba said Mothoa's modus operandi involved targeting elderly people who were withdrawing cash at ATMs. He would take the bank cards from the pensioners and go on to withdraw cash at other ATMs.

He was also wanted in connection with the murder of 77-year-old Ramphokgo Abram Mosiane.

Mosiane disappeared in May 2007 in Zeerust in North West.

A day after his disappearance R20000 was withdrawn from his bank account in Sinoville, Pretoria.

His bank became suspicious when the same amount was withdrawn in Lyttleton, also a suburb of Pretoria.

Mosiane's decomposed body was only discovered in September in Kameeldrift outside Pretoria.

Ramatseba said Mothoa was facing three charges of murder, seven of kidnapping, five of fraud, one of robbery and five of theft.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.