2 hitmen linked to murder of UFH vice chancellor's bodyguard arrested

JOHANNESBURG - Two hitmen linked to the 2023 murder of the vice chancellor of University Fort Hare's bodyguard have been arrested in Gauteng.

Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo were arrested in Zakkariya Park two weeks ago for the murder of Mboneli Vesele.

Vesele was shot inside a vehicle while waiting for the vice chancellor outside his home in Alice, in the Eastern Cape in 2023.

Last year, police published the pictures of the pair as well as their accomplice, Siphiwo Jejane.

Chiliza and Maphumulo join ten others, who were arrested in 2023, in relation to the Fort Hare murders.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that they were still searching for Jejane.

"I can confirm, on 21 June 2025, the team proceeded to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg. Two of the three hitmen were arrested. The SAPS confirms Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo are in custody and will be charged accordingly."

The suspects will appear in the Alice Magistrates Court in the Eastern Cape on Monday.