Nine Polokwane Correctional Service members accused of murder of an inmate appear in court
Date Published:
2025/07/22
Description Details:

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo

 

POLOKWANE - Nine Correctional Service officials attached to Polokwane Prison appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, facing a charge of murder.

The nine were arrested following death in custody of an inmate who was allegedly assaulted and later succumbed to injuries. They were all granted a bail of R1500-00 each.

The matter was postponed to 21 August 2025 for the Regional Court date and further police investigations.

The suspects are as follows:

* Victor Ramoroka (52)

* Victor Seakamela (59)

* Lutendo Vele (41)

* Christopher Mafela (33)

* Micharl Ramabu (42)

* Anna Shai (41)

* Josephine Mphela (49)

* Obed Selolo (53)

* Lucas Phihlela (54)

Subsequent to Police investigations, it is alleged that during July 2024, the Correctional Services members assaulted a male inmate and he later died. The matter was reported to the Police, and at the time a case of Inquest was registered. During the cause of investigation and after autopsy results, the charge  was changed to murder.

Four employees of the Correctional Services were arrested during October 2024, and a case against them was provisionally withdrawn. As the  intensive investigations unfold, the four suspects previously arrested and  the other additional five suspects were arrested on Monday, 21 July 2025.

The Police investigations are continuing.

Ends

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Colonel Malesela Ledwaba
082 451 7180

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