A 37-year-old woman from Marapong has been arrested in connection with the death of a popular Francistown/Sebina combi operator, Molefe Tawethu Phuthego.
Tutume Police Station Commander, Jerry Halahala confirmed that although the suspect, Maipelo Makhubalo, has not yet been formally charged, she was arraigned before Masunga Magistrates Court and remanded on a holding charge of death earlier this month.
“She was arrested on Tuesday, arraigned on Thursday [12 May], and appeared again this Wednesday where she was once again remanded. She is our suspect in the possible murder of Phuthego,” explained Halahala, who would not be drawn into discussing the duo’s possible relationship.
“There are rumours that they were lovers,” was all the top cop was prepared to say.
Phuthego, 49, was found in his rented house in Sebina on 4 April, his battered and bloodied body lying prone on the floor.
He was rushed to Nyangagbwe Referral Hospital where he died from his wounds a week later.
In a previous interview with The Voice, his younger brother, Chris Mbochwa was adamant that Phuthego was slain by thugs in the night, and maintained the killers then covered up the crime to make it look like a tragic accident.
Desperate to catch the killers, Mbochwa took to social media to appeal to good samaritans to assistant with information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Stating clearly on his Facebook crusade that he did not have any money, the outspoken Mbochwa offered five of his precious goats to anyone that can help crack the case and track down the culprits.
“I don’t have money, these five goats, including a huge billy-goat, are all I have – and I’m willing to give them away in exchange for information,” he said in an interview that made front page (5 goats for my bro’s killers – 29 April).
However, when reached for comment about the Police’s breakthrough, Mbochwa, who is the family spokesperson, said the cops were yet to inform the family.
“We’ve heard about the arrest from people in the village, but nothing from the police,” he said, before adding, “Please inform us should you hear anything.”
Makhubalo, meanwhile, is due back in court on 7 June.