NORTH WEST POLICE SAY THATO MOLOSANKWE MURDER SUSPECTS LINKED TO VIOLENT CRIME SYNDICATE
MAHIKENG – North West police say the investigation into the murder of community activist Thato Molosankwe has uncovered alleged links to a broader organised crime syndicate believed to be responsible for multiple violent crimes, including murders, business robberies and drug dealing.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo made the revelation during a media briefing on Friday, confirming that two suspects, aged 28 and 38, have now been arrested in connection with Molosankwe’s murder.
Before addressing the media, Naidoo said SAPS first met with and briefed the Molosankwe family, ensuring they received the latest developments directly from investigators.
“It was important that the family heard this news directly from the South African Police Service before it was shared publicly,” Naidoo said.
Major breakthrough in high-profile murder case
Molosankwe was gunned down at his Mahikeng home on 20 May 2026 after being attacked by armed suspects who allegedly fled on foot before escaping in a getaway vehicle positioned nearby.
According to police, the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit immediately launched an intensive investigation, supported by Crime Intelligence, forensic specialists and other specialised units.
Naidoo said investigators worked around the clock, analysing forensic evidence, interviewing witnesses and following intelligence-driven leads.
Those efforts have now resulted in two arrests.
The first suspect was arrested just three days after the murder, on 23 May 2026, in connection with the murders of Mahikeng business owners Sergio and Marlene Gomez. Police say he has remained in custody and has now also been linked to Molosankwe’s murder.
The second suspect was later tracked down and arrested at an apartment in Mmabatho Extension 39.
Police believe they have disrupted organised crime network
Naidoo described the arrests as a significant milestone but stressed that the investigation is far from complete.
Police are still searching for additional suspects believed to have participated in planning and executing the murder.
Investigators are also working to recover the firearms allegedly used in the attack and to seize the getaway vehicle.
“We do confirm that we are aware of the whereabouts of the vehicle and we are in the process of seizing it,” Naidoo said.
He added that evidence collected so far suggests the suspects are connected to a wider criminal organisation.
“As police, we do believe that we have broken the back of a syndicate allegedly involved in several serious and violent crimes, including murders, business robberies and the illegal dealing of drugs.”
Activism among motives being investigated
While police have not yet established the motive for Molosankwe’s killing, Naidoo said investigators cannot rule out the possibility that his outspoken stance against crime may have contributed to him being targeted.
However, he emphasised that detectives would continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads until the full truth is presented before the courts.
“The investigation has not been concluded,” he said.
Message to criminals
Naidoo praised the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and forensic experts for their coordinated work in securing the breakthrough.
He also issued a warning to organised criminal groups operating in the province.
“You may evade arrest temporarily, but justice has a way of catching up.”
The two accused are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026, while police continue searching for other suspects believed to have played a role in the murder.
Police say the investigation remains active, with further arrests expected as detectives continue dismantling the alleged criminal network.
