Cops hunt dangerous duo linked to brutal North West killing

Kidnapping

Potchefstroom — A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of 59-year-old David Filmone Monese, whose decomposed body was discovered in Hebron Village, North West, following his disappearance in late June.

In a statement, police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said that Monese, who was last seen at work on Friday, 27 June 2025, was reported missing to Mogwase police shortly thereafter.

In response, a 72-hour activation plan was launched by a multi-disciplinary team involving Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, the Rustenburg Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU), and Mogwase Detectives.

The operation led to the arrest of 39-year-old Lucas Enock Mkhize on Monday, 7 July 2025, on the N18 road near Ramatlabama, approximately 60km from Mahikeng. Mkhize had allegedly been evading police at the time of his capture.

“Police took him to an address at Ramatlabama six hundred, where police confiscated cellphones and clothing believed to be ill-gotten loot from his criminal acts,” Myburgh said.

“He proceeded to take police to Hebron Village at Bangladesh section, where the decomposed body of Monase was discovered, in an open field, where he was dumped after being killed.

“Immediately a case of murder was opened in Hebron against the suspect, before he was taken to Mogwase police cells where further cases of kidnapping, house robbery and carjacking were opened.”

He appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, and was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Thursday, 24 July 2025.

Police are now pursuing two identified accomplices, known only as Pontsho and MJ, who remain at large. They are considered armed and dangerous, and authorities have warned the public not to approach or shelter them. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station, call Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app to report anonymously.

Reacting to the developments, Acting North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, condemned the crime, describing it as “dastardly, barbaric and abominable”.

“These heartless ruffians have robbed society of a hardworking, valuable member of the community,” Asaneng said. “All police resources and expertise will be deployed to ensure justice is served. The two scoundrels still out there must know police will hunt them day and night.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

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