Lovemore Musoyi, a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national and one of Limpopo’s most wanted fugitives, has finally been apprehended after evading authorities for two years.
His capture, which took place on Friday, 3 January 2025, in the Rakgoadi policing area, ended a massive manhunt that began after his daring escape from police custody.
Musoyi’s criminal history is extensive, with over ten charges against him, including murder, attempted murder, various armed and business robberies, housebreaking, kidnapping, assault, stock theft, and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. These crimes were committed across several areas in the Sekhukhune District, including Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton, and Rakgoadi. His initial escape from custody followed an incident where he attacked and disarmed two police officers in Motetema.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Limpopo police spokesperson, detailed the circumstances of Musoyi’s arrest: “Musoyi’s luck eventually deserted him when the police, working with private security, operationalised information and invaded a hideout place of the suspect in the mountains at Rakgoadi policing area on Friday, 3 January 2025. An unlicenced firearm was also confiscated from the suspect when he was arrested.” The arrest location, a secluded mountain hideout, highlights the lengths to which Musoyi went to evade capture.
The arrest follows a significant police operation, involving collaboration between the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi Multidisciplinary Team, and private security firms. Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, praised the diligent work of all involved in bringing Musoyi to justice. She commended their tireless efforts in tracking and apprehending this elusive fugitive.
Musoyi’s escape from police custody in January 2023, while being transported to Witbank Correctional Services from Moutse Mall in Dennilton, added another layer of complexity to the investigation. He escaped alongside two other suspects, who were later apprehended. His subsequent actions demonstrated a pattern of violent and brazen criminal behaviour.
In February 2024, Musoyi was involved in a violent confrontation at his ex-girlfriend’s home, where he shot her brother in the mouth before stealing a television set and fleeing. Later, in June 2024, he and his accomplices carried out a business robbery at a tuck shop in Mafisheng village. Ledwaba recounted the incident: “During the robbery, Musoyi viciously attacked a male victim with an axe, whom he accused of betrayal. The suspects then looted the shop, stealing money and soft drinks before fleeing the scene.”
Musoyi’s arrest marks a significant victory for the Limpopo police. His capture brings some measure of relief to the communities he terrorised for so long. He is expected to appear in various magistrate courts within the Sekhukhune District to face numerous charges, including escaping from lawful custody. The investigation into his crimes is ongoing.
