IPID has Arrested a Constable for Murder in Mahwelereng, Limpopo

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested a Constable for shooting his brother and sister in Mahwelereng, Limpopo. The suspect is based at POPS Polokwane.

It is alleged that on 06 April 2012 at about 20:30 Constable Bernard Madimatsa Tema was off duty. He proceeded to his homestead in Mahwelereng with his girlfriend with an official state vehicle. Apparently the family did not want Constable Tema to bring his new girlfriend to their homestead as the ex-girlfriend was there. An argument broke out between the suspect and his family. Constable Tema then shot his sister 35 year old Peggy Tema, who passed away on the scene. He also shot his brother Lawrence Tema (25 years old) who was admitted in a critical condition to the Polokwane Provincial Hospital ICU. The injured Mr Tema passed away in hospital on 9 April 2012.

Constable Tema was arrested by an IPID Investigator and he was charged with murder and attempted murder on 07 April 2012. After the suspect’s passed away, the attempted murder charged was changed to murder.

The suspect appeared at the Mahwelereng police cells and the case will appear in Mokerong Magistrate Court on Tuesday 18 April 2012 for bail application.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

For enquiries:
IPID National Spokesman
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@icd.gov.za