A 30-year-old South African man has been apprehended after a four-month investigation into the tragic death of his girlfriend, Mahlako Malebo Rabalao.
Malebo, a 26-year-old IT specialist and mother of a toddler, was reported missing on March 7, 2023, and later found burnt beyond recognition inside her Mercedes Benz in Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa, at 9 pm on the same day.
Investigation commenced immediately after the tragic incident, and the provincial investigation unit took charge of the case because the police always prioritize gender-based violence cases.
During the investigation, they discovered that Rabalao was murdered, and her body was set on fire inside her vehicle, with her boyfriend emerging as the prime suspect. However, the motive has not been established.
A warrant of arrest was issued by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, and the suspect was successfully traced and arrested in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Monday, July 31, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, disclosed that the suspect, Rabalao’s boyfriend, is now facing a murder charge.
Meanwhile, Gauteng provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the investigation team for a job well-done.
“As the police, we will continue to prioritise cases where women and children are the victims. I am grateful with the manner in which the detectives handled this investigation and that the suspect is brought to book for the family to find closure,” said Mawela.