Family member among three arrested in Jane Furse nurse murder

In a shocking twist, police have arrested a close family member along with two other suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a 64-year-old Jane Furse nurse, Morudi Frank Phetla.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a joint operation on May 5 led to the arrest of two suspects in Gauteng — in Ekurhuleni, Kempton Park, and Tembisa — while the third was nabbed in Limpopo.

"During the operation, a 49-year-old African female suspect was arrested at an estate in Kempton Park.

Meanwhile, a 42-year-old African male suspect was apprehended in Tembisa. The team then travelled to Limpopo, where a 60-year-old woman was arrested in Jane Furse."

The arrests follow the March 16 incident, when Phetla was kidnapped outside his home in the Zamane Section of Jane Furse around 7pm.

His vehicle was later found idling with its headlights on, but Phetla was nowhere to be found, prompting the opening of a kidnapping case.

Phetla's body was discovered the following day, on March 17, around 6am, by a shepherd under the Mabintana Bridge in Jane Furse. He had suffered fatal head injuries.

Ledwaba stated that the motive for the murder remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.

He further stated that the trio are expected to appear before the Nebo Magistrate’s Court today, facing multiple charges in connection with the kidnapping and murder of Phetla.

"The suspects are facing charges of kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder, and murder," said Ledwaba.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the investigative team, which led to the timely arrests of the suspects.

Hadebe further reiterated the SAPS’s commitment to justice, stating that "no stone will be left unturned in uncovering all the circumstances surrounding these heinous crimes."

The Star

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