News24 | Another 2 ‘hitmen’ arrested for the murder of Fort Hare vice-chancellor’s bodyguard

Police have arrested another two suspected hitmen involved in the 2023 murder of Fort Hare’s vice-chancellor’s bodyguard.

• Police have arrested another two suspected hitmen involved in the 2023 murder of Fort Hare vice-chancellor Sakhele Buhlungu’s bodyguard.
• Mboneli Vesele was shot and killed while inside a vehicle waiting for Buhlungu outside his home in the Eastern Cape.
• In total, 12 suspects have now been arrested for the murder.

Two more suspected hitmen have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the murder of Fort Hare University vice-chancellor Sakhele Buhlungu’s bodyguard, Mboneli Vesele.

A third alleged hitman, Siphiwo Jejane, is still on the run, according to police.

Vesele was shot and killed inside a vehicle while waiting for Buhlungu outside his home in the Eastern Cape on 6 January 2023.

National police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said the South African Police Service (SAPS) published the alleged hitmen’s pictures in November last year, and requested the public’s help in tracking down the wanted suspects after obtaining a J50 warrant of arrest for Bafana Chiliza, Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo, and Siphiwo “Spijojo“ Jejane.

Just over a week ago, on 21 June 2025, police investigators proceeded to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg to effect the arrests, following intelligence and information from members of the public.

READ | Fort Hare council faces pressure from Parliament over ‘secret’ extension of VC Buhlungu’s term

“The SAPS confirms Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo are in custody and will be charged accordingly,” said Masemola.

He commended the investigating team for working tirelessly to apprehend all those behind the killings at Fort Hare University.

“Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects. We thank all stakeholders for playing their part”, said Masemola.

Police also thanked the media, social media community and community members for assisting police investigators to track down the two hitmen linked to the murder.

A total of 12 people have now been arrested in connection with the Fort Hare murder.