Bushbuckridge — A 45-year-old man accused of murder has appeared before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court following his arrest earlier this week after months on the run.
South African Police Service confirmed that Thabo (Mabilane) Dibakoane appeared in court on Thursday in connection with a murder that occurred in the Bushbuckridge area. Dibakoane was arrested on 16 December 2025 at Alverton Village after police received a tip-off from community members.
According to SAPS, the arrest was the result of coordinated efforts between Tubatse SAPS Detective Services and Bushbuckridge SAPS, highlighting inter-unit collaboration in tracing the suspect. Investigators allege that Dibakoane stabbed the victim with a knife in Shatale, near Bushbuckridge, an incident that resulted in the victim’s death.
A murder case was opened in September 2025, but the suspect had reportedly been evading arrest until his apprehension this week. Dibakoane has since been remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on 23 December 2025 for further proceedings.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised police officers for their persistence and cooperation, commending their efforts in bringing the suspect before the courts.
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