LIMPOPO – Two Zimbabwean brothers have appeared in court in connection with a brutal axe attack in Wegdraai Village, Maleboho, that left one man dead and a woman severely injured. The motive for the gruesome crime appears to be a deadly love triangle.
Johannes Makhura, 20, and his elder brother, Jonas Makhura, 51, appeared before the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, facing a string of charges related to the violent incident. They were remanded in custody until 15 September 2025, when the matter will be heard at the Maleboho Periodical Court.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the charges against the pair. “The younger brother, Johannes Makhura, has been charged with murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravening the Immigration Act,” said Ledwaba. “His elder brother, Jonas Makhura, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.” Both brothers were found to be in South Africa illegally.
The case stems from a violent confrontation on Monday night, after the brothers allegedly received information that the 55-year-old victim was romantically involved with Jonas Makhura's girlfriend. The brothers stormed into a homestead where the victim and a 38-year-old woman were present.
“According to preliminary reports, a 55-year-old man was allegedly attacked after the suspects, who are brothers, received information suggesting that the victim was romantically involved with the elder brother’s girlfriend,” Ledwaba said.
"On arrival, a confrontation ensued, during which the elder brother allegedly attacked the man with an axe and severely injured the woman," said Ledwaba.
Paramedics certified the 55-year-old man dead at the scene, while the injured woman was rushed to hospital for urgent treatment. The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Police swiftly arrested the younger brother, Johannes, at his home shortly after the attack.
“Police recovered the axe used during the attack, which the suspect had attempted to wash in an effort to destroy evidence. It was also discovered that the suspect is in the country illegally. He has since been charged with murder, attempted murder, defeating the ends of justice, and contravention of the Immigration Act,” Ledwaba said.
The elder brother, Jonas, however, fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt. He was apprehended on Tuesday night in the Alldays policing area, while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
“The suspect, who had been on the run, was arrested at about 9 pm after he was found hiding in a truck headed towards Zimbabwe. Upon arrival, he was found carrying a bag of clothes in an attempt to flee the country. Like his younger brother, he was also found to be in the country illegally,” said Ledwaba.
The swift apprehension of both suspects was welcomed by Limpopo’s provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who also applauded community members for their assistance.
"This was a brutal act of violence. We call upon communities to continue working closely with the police. We will not tolerate such despicable behaviour, and no one is above the law," said Hadebe.
Anyone with further information regarding the case is urged to contact investigating officer Sergeant Ethan Moitsi at 072 278 0050.
Unrelated Murder in Mankweng
In a separate incident, police in Mankweng, also in the Capricorn district, are investigating the murder of an unknown man. The man's body was discovered at Mamadimo Park on Monday.
Police received a report of an unconscious man, believed to be in his early 30s, lying on the street next to the Molapi sports ground. Upon arrival, officers found the man with multiple stab wounds on his legs and arms. Emergency medical personnel declared him dead at the scene.
The motive for the murder is currently unknown, and no arrests have been made. Police are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
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