Pretoria – Police have arrested two wanted men in connection with the murder of Mboneli Vesele, who was the bodyguard of Fort Hare University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhele Buhlungu.
Vesele was shot and killed inside a vehicle while waiting for the Vice Chancellor outside his home in Alice, in the Eastern Cape on 6 January 2023.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, revealed on Monday 30 June 2025, that the suspected hitmen were arrested in Zakkariya Park, Johannesburg, following a tip-off from the public.
Last year on 15 November, pictures of three wanted suspects were published in various media with a request by the police for the public’s assistance in tracking them down.
The wanted suspects were named as Bafana Chiliza, Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo and Siphiwo “Spijojo“ Jejane.
Narrating details of the arrest of two of the suspects, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “On 21 June 2025, the team proceeded to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg following intelligence and information from members of the public.
“Two of the three hitmen were arrested.”
Brigadier Mathe said Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo were in custody and would be charged accordingly.
South African Police Service National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has commended the investigating team who have been working tirelessly to apprehend all those behind the killings at the Fort Hare University.
“Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects,” said Gen Masemola.
“We thank all stakeholders for playing their part.”
The number of suspects arrested in the Fort Hare University murders is now 12.
The arrests began in 2023, and some of the accused remain in police custody.
Brigadier Mathe said the police were still searching for the third hitman, Siphiwo Jejane.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Nkosi on 0825575789 or Sergeant Mokoena on 0818517758.
