Suspected hitmen in Fort Hare VC’s bodyguard killing captured

Handcuffs

Pretoria – Two alleged hitmen linked to the assassination of University of Fort Hare Vice-Chancellor’s bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele, have been arrested following a nationwide manhunt.

Police confirmed that Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo were apprehended on 21 June 2025 in Zakkariya Park, Johannesburg, after intelligence gathered from the public led investigators to their location.

The pair is accused of involvement in the 06 January 2023 murder of Vesele, who was gunned down while waiting in a vehicle outside the home of Professor Sakhele Buhlungu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Fort Hare University, in Alice, Eastern Cape.

The arrests bring the total number of suspects apprehended in the Fort Hare murder investigations to twelve, according to SAPS. Ten suspects had already been arrested between 2023 and 2024 in connection with a broader probe into violence and corruption at the institution.

The third suspect in the hit squad, identified as Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane, remains at large. A J50 warrant of arrest was issued against all three suspects on 15 November 2024, when their images and identities were circulated to the public for assistance in locating them.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, expressed gratitude to the media, social media users, and community members who helped bring the suspects to justice.

“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.

He also commended the investigators for their “tireless” work in tracking down those responsible for the attacks linked to Fort Hare.

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