Mankweng men charged with murder after Polokwane shooting kills music producer Gadifele Maimela
The two men accused of killing Lekompo music producer Gadifele Lastborn Maimela have appeared in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on charges of murder and attempted murder. They were arrested the day after the April 6 incident in Polokwane and the case has been postponed for a formal bail application, with both suspects remaining in custody.
Introduction
The case involves two Mankweng men, Masheleng July Mashishi and Karabo Kgoroshi Lucas Mothiba, who are accused of fatally shooting Gadifele Lastborn Maimela, a 25-year-old music producer from Lekompo, during an incident outside a residence in Polokwane. The court appearance and subsequent postponement for bail proceedings are the latest developments in a case that has drawn local attention in Limpopo.
Detailed list
- Incident date: 6 April 2026
- Location: Polokwane, Limpopo, South Africa
- Defendants:
- Masheleng July Mashishi, 25, from Mankweng
- Karabo Kgoroshi Lucas Mothiba, 27, from Mankweng
- Charge: murder and attempted murder
- Vicitims: Gadifele Lastborn Maimela, a 25-year-old music producer from Lekompo; one friend was injured during the incident
- Timeline:
- Aim of the accused reportedly encountered Maimela at his gate after requesting a bolt
- The accused allegedly forced their way into the yard, leading to a confrontation
- During the altercation, the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and opened fire
- Maimela was fatally wounded; one friend injured
- The suspects were arrested the following day
- Court status:
- Appearance: Polokwane Magistrate’s Court
- Case status: Postponed to 16 April 2026 for formal bail application
- Current custody: Both accused remain in custody
- Source of information: Limpopo Chronicle reporting on the case and court appearance
- Further notes: Story carried via social media post with details of the incident and court proceedings
Simple summary of the story
Two men from Mankweng, Masheleng July Mashishi and Karabo Kgoroshi Lucas Mothiba, faced murder and attempted murder charges after allegedly fatally shooting Gadifele Lastborn Maimela, a 25-year-old music producer from Lekompo, in Polokwane on 6 April 2026. Maimela was with friends at his residence when he was invited to fetch a bolt, then accompanied the group to the gate where the suspects confronted them. The attackers reportedly forced their way into the yard, leading to a confrontation during which a firearm was produced and fired, killing Maimela and injuring one of his friends. The pair were arrested the next day. The case was postponed to 16 April 2026 for a formal bail hearing, and both men remain jailed. The report is provided by Limpopo Chronicle and was shared on social media.
Q&A for the community
- What happened to Gadifele Lastborn Maimela? He was fatally shot during an incident in Polokwane on 6 April 2026, and two men have been charged with his murder and an attempted murder of a friend.
- Who are the accused? Masheleng July Mashishi, 25, and Karabo Kgoroshi Lucas Mothiba, 27, both from Mankweng, Limpopo.
- Where did the incident occur? Outside a residence in Polokwane, Limpopo.
- What charges are they facing? Murder and attempted murder.
- When did the suspects appear in court? They appeared at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court after the incident; the case was postponed on 10 April 2026 for a bail hearing.
- What is the current status of the case? The case is postponed to 16 April 2026 for a formal bail application, and both accused remain in custody.
- Who reported the story? Limpopo Chronicle, with a post circulated on social media, referencing the court appearance and charges.
- Where can I read more similar local news? See more stories like this at City of Thohoyandou News: City of Thohoyandou News.
- Where can I view the source tweet? The original report is linked to the Limpopo Chronicle tweet: Limpopo Chronicle on X.
- Is there any more information about Motive or investigation? The article provides limited detail on motive; police investigations typically continue after initial charges, with updates released by authorities or local media.
- Will there be a bail hearing? Yes, a formal bail application was scheduled for 16 April 2026, with both accused remaining in custody.
- How can the community stay informed? Follow local news outlets and official police updates; consider following the linked sources for real-time updates.
Source: Limpopo Chronicle
More stories like this: City of Thohoyandou News
