North West police welcome arrest in Councillor Matlosana murder case
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West Dr Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the arrest of a suspect following the murder of a councillor at Matlosana Municipality in Klerksdorp, Sello Molefi.
Police say they were alerted to an incident outside a tavern in the Klerksdorp Central Business District, and upon arrival at the scene, they found the body of Sello Molefi lying on the ground with a stab wound on the neck.
North West police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh explains:
“Emergency medical personnel were summoned and subsequently certified the victim dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was allegedly stabbed during an argument reportedly linked to a dispute over a girlfriend. A 35-year-old suspect, handed himself over to police and was subsequently arrested and detained. The suspect is expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 february 2026, on a charge of murder.”
#sapsNW The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, welcomed the swift arrest of a suspect following a murder in Klerksdorp CBD on 13/02.
Police found the body of 46-year-old councillor Sello Molefi with a stab wound to the neck outside… pic.twitter.com/u42dI81j64
— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) February 14, 2026
The South African Local Government Association (Salga) in the North West has condemned the brutal killing of Sello.
Salga has condemned killings of councillors and public representatives, saying it is an attack on democracy.
“Those responsible for this ruthless act,must face the full might of the law. Justice must be served to restore public confidence and to safeguard the intergrity of our democratic institutions. Furthermore as Salga we urge the relevant authorities to intensify visible policing particularly within central business districts which has become crime havens that threatens safety of the community members,” says the provincial chairperson of Salga Khumalo Molefe.
Reporting by Lebogang Pebe