SAPS Seeks Community Help to Capture Murder Suspects Linked to UFH Bodyguard Assassination

The South African Police Service is rallying the community for support in apprehending three individuals suspected of a high-profile murder case that has sent shockwaves through the Eastern Cape academia. Bafana Chiliza, 24, Nkosiyazi ‘Dipopoz’ Maphumulo, 28, and Siphiwo ‘Spijojo’ Jejane, 35, are the prime suspects in the cold-blooded murder of Mboneli Vesele, the University of Fort Hare’s Vice Chancellor’s bodyguard.

The SAPS has executed warrants for the arrest of the suspects and believes they are evading capture by frequently moving between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The harrowing incident took place on January 6, 2023, when Vesele was assassinated while sitting in his vehicle at the Vice-Chancellor's residence in the Eastern Cape. An ambush by the suspects in a maroon vehicle culminated in Vesele sustaining multiple gunshot wounds and his subsequent death at the crime scene.

In a plot that seems to be ripped from a cinematic narration, the investigation has uncovered that the well-orchestrated crime was motivated by the desire to secure lucrative security tenders. A National Task Team probing politically-related cases has already detained ten individuals, including three university employees believed to be connected to this scheme, and court proceedings are underway.

As law enforcement intensifies its search, Warrant Officer Nkosi, Sergeant Mokoena, and Sergeant Khorommbi are the designated officers entrusted with gathering any useful information leading to arrests. With the awareness that some members of the public may prefer discretion when sharing sensitive information, the SAPS encourages the use of the MySAPS App. This platform accommodates anonymous tip-offs and serves as a secure line between concerned citizens and the SAPS.

In this quest for justice, the community’s role becomes paramount – every bit of information could represent the decisive breakthrough in the investigation. The SAPS urges anyone potentially harboring knowledge concerning the trio’s whereabouts to come forward to support the restoration of order and justice in the society.