Vereeniging, South Africa – Lindani Mgube (33), allegedly related to controversial sangoma Gogo Maweni through marriage, appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrates Court this week in connection with the brutal murders of two women: gobela Faith Mafilika, also known as Baba Vondwe Mkhatshwa, and her initiate. Mafilika was shot five times, while her initiate was shot seven times.
Mgube, who is reportedly Gogo Maweni's brother-in-law, made his appearance on Wednesday, February 5th, facing two counts of murder. Dressed in a black jacket, he nervously scanned the gallery, seemingly searching for family members. He remains in custody until February 12th, when he is scheduled to apply for bail. The state is expected to strongly oppose his release, as the court has been informed that the case is classified as a Schedule 6 offence, indicating the severity of the charges.
The victims, Mafilika and her initiate, were known to be close to Makhotso Lee-Anne Mofokeng, the woman known publicly as Gogo Maweni. The tragic incident occurred on April 13, 2024, at Mafilika's residence in Orange Farm, Mokokotlong.
According to police reports, officers responded to a call regarding a shooting at the property. Gauteng police provincial spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo, confirmed that upon their arrival, they found Mafilika with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene. "It was reported that the second victim was taken to the local medical care centre, where she also succumbed to injuries. Police then opened a case of double murder," Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo stated.
Details emerging from an anonymous source close to the situation paint a grim picture of the crime scene. The source revealed to Daily Sun that Mafilika was shot five times and was declared dead on the scene, while her initiate was shot seven times and only succumbed to her injuries a few days later at the hospital. The source also stated that some of the family members went into hiding after the murder of Mafilika, and they are happy that someone has been arrested “even after waiting for so long”.
The arrest of Lindani Mgube followed an operation conducted by members of the Gauteng Province Cold Case Investigation Unit, K9 Sedibeng, Compol Sedibeng, and Afriguard. According to a police statement, the team acted on information regarding the suspect's whereabouts, which led them to his last known residence in Kanana Park, known as Majazana.
However, Mgube was not at the residence. Instead, police found his brothers, who were then used to lure the suspect to the De Deur Police Station. There, he was apprehended and formally charged with two counts of murder. He was subsequently detained at Orange Farm SAPS.
"The investigation later led to the arrest of the suspect, who was charged with two counts of murder," Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo confirmed.
The arrest has brought a sense of relief to some connected to the victims. One source known to Daily Sun expressed gratitude that an arrest had been made after a long wait: "When the incident happened, we were not around. We were called to the scene. We are grateful that after so long, someone has been arrested."
The case also brings renewed attention to Gogo Maweni, given the alleged family connection of the accused. An anonymous source claims that Mgube is related to Gogo Maweni’s husband, Sabelo Mgube.
Sabelo was contacted for comment and said he will respond to the enquiry.
