The Limpopo Hawks have made a significant breakthrough in a six-year-old cold case, arresting three suspects in connection with the murder of Colonel Lebyane Jeffrey Seroka, the former station commander of Groblersdal Police Station. The suspects, two women aged 51 and 41 and a 56-year-old man, were apprehended on Friday night, 9 October 2026, in the Nkoana area of Limpopo's Sekhukhune District. This development brings renewed hope to the family and colleagues of the slain police officer.
Seroka was fatally shot outside his home in Maganagobuswa Village, within the Dennilton policing area, on October 17, 2020. The suspects allegedly fled with Seroka's motor vehicle following the shooting, which was later recovered abandoned along the Dennilton-Maklerekeng road. According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba, the breakthrough followed sustained investigative efforts by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation teams in Polokwane and at head office.
Despite the passage of six years, investigators continued to pursue leads to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and identify those allegedly responsible. The Hawks' persistence has finally paid off, with the arrest of the three suspects. Fumba said that the investigation remained ongoing, with the team following additional leads and working to establish the respective roles of those implicated in the crime.
The suspects face a range of charges, including conspiracy to commit murder, murder, vehicle hijacking, robbery with aggravating circumstances, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition. They are expected to appear before the Moutse Magistrates' Court on Monday, October 12, 2026. The Hawks have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with the authorities.
Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General (Adv) Gopz Govender commended the investigation team for its persistence and reaffirmed the Hawks' commitment to ensuring that those responsible were brought to justice. Govender emphasized that justice has no expiry date, and the killing of Seroka would not be forgotten. Seroka had dedicated his life to serving the country, and his murder would be thoroughly investigated.
The arrest of the three suspects marks a significant milestone in the case, but the Hawks have warned that further arrests are anticipated as investigative efforts continue. The team is working tirelessly to ensure that all those implicated in the crime are brought before the courts to answer to the allegations against them.
The Hawks' efforts to bring closure to the family and colleagues of Seroka have been lauded by many. The case serves as a reminder that justice can be served even years after a crime has been committed. The three suspects will have to face the consequences of their alleged actions, and the community can rest assured that the Hawks are committed to ensuring justice is served.
Key points
- The Limpopo Hawks have arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of Colonel Lebyane Jeffrey Seroka, six years after the crime was committed.
- The suspects face a range of charges, including murder, vehicle hijacking, and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
- The Hawks have warned that further arrests are anticipated as investigative efforts continue.
