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The community of Mathukuthela in Makhuduthamaga, Sekhukhune Limpopo have been left reeling in shock the brutal killing of their headman.
73 year old Joseph Ramphisa was at his home on the evening of the 2nd of February when an intruder attacked him.
The assailant who has been identified Jacob Roto Hlabjago is alleged to have entered Ramphisa’s home where he started assaulting the elderly man demanding among others, key to the safe and guns .
The 45-year-old Hlabjago, briefly appeared before the Nebo Magistrates’ Court on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of sexual assault, and murder.
He initially stated he wanted to apply for bail but abandoned his application while a second suspect who had also been arrested was released due to insufficient evidence linking him to the offences at this stage.
It is alleged that on 02 February 2026, the accused went to the homestead of the deceased, Joseph Ramphisa (73) known as Chieftaincy headman, in Mathukuthela, Sekhukhune District, where he allegedly assaulted him while demanding keys to the safe and firearms.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in Limpopo Msuudu Malabi said a second person, Ramphisa’s niece also sustained injuries while pensioner died. He said the niece was held hostage after walking in on the attack on her uncle.
“The deceased’s niece reportedly arrived at the homestead and found him tied up with multiple open wounds. She was allegedly attacked, tied up, and robbed of her cellphone. It is further alleged that the accused sexually assaulted both the deceased and his niece during the incident by stripping them naked,” said Malabi explaining why the alleged attacker is also charged with sexual assault.
The matter has been postponed to 20 March 2026 for further investigations while Hlabjago remains in custody.
