Pakistani Born Naturalised South African Appears in Court Over Murder of Limpopo Businessman Tebogo Mothapo
Suspect remanded as police hunt for more suspects in high profile Mankweng murder investigation
POLOKWANE | A 27 year old naturalised South African citizen of Pakistani origin has appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court in connection with the fatal shooting of Limpopo businessman Tebogo Mothapo, a case that continues to raise serious questions as investigators pursue additional suspects.
Osama Asad made his first court appearance on Wednesday, facing charges of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of stolen property.
The case was postponed to 31 July 2026 to allow for profiling and a possible bail application.
Police allege that Asad was linked to the murder investigation after officers from the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit arrested him on 20 July 2026 at Ga Mothapo in Tjatjaneng village. During the arrest, investigators allegedly found him in possession of Mothapo’s cellphone, which had been stolen on the night the businessman was killed.
The murder dates back to the night of 16 December 2025, when 43 year old Tebogo Mothapo was shot and killed at around 11:00 pm in Mankweng Zone 1.
At the time of the killing, police said the motive was unknown. A murder docket was opened before the investigation was transferred to the Limpopo Provincial Office for further investigation.
Months of investigative work eventually led detectives to the suspect’s arrest, marking what authorities believe is a significant development in the case.
However, the investigation is far from over.
Police have confirmed that more arrests are expected as detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mothapo’s murder and work to establish whether others were involved in the deadly attack.
The case will return to the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2026, when proceedings are expected to focus on profiling and a possible bail application.
