North West, South Africa – The North West police have made a breakthrough in the murder case of 59-year-old David Filmone Monese, who was reported missing in late June 2025. Monese was last seen at work on Friday, 27 June 2025, before vanishing under suspicious circumstances.
A 72-hour operation launched by a multi-disciplinary task team led to the arrest of Lucas Enock Mkhize (39) on Monday, 7 July 2025, on the N18 road near Ramatlabama, approximately 60km outside Mahikeng.
The operation included teams from Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, Rustenburg Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU), and Mogwase Detectives, working around the clock to uncover the truth behind Monese’s disappearance.
David’s Decomposed Body Discovered in Hebron
Upon arrest, Mkhize cooperated with the investigation and led police to Ramatlabama Six Hundred, where cellphones and clothing—believed to be linked to his criminal activities—were seized. He then directed officers to Hebron Village in the Bangladesh Section, where the decomposed body of David Monese was found dumped in an open field.
A case of murder was immediately opened at the Hebron Police Station, and further charges of kidnapping, house robbery, and carjacking were filed against the suspect at Mogwase Police Station.
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Court Appearance and Charges
Mkhize appeared before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, facing multiple charges including murder, kidnapping, house robbery, and vehicle hijacking. He has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again on Thursday, 24 July 2025.
Police Praise Teamwork in Solving Case
Provincial police spokespersons praised the joint effort of all units involved in the swift arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the victim’s body. “This was a well-coordinated operation. We hope this brings some closure to the family of the deceased,” said one officer.
The community of Mogwase and surrounding areas has expressed both shock and relief following the developments, with many calling for harsh sentencing should the accused be found guilty.
Ongoing Investigations
Police are continuing their investigations to determine if Mkhize is linked to other unsolved cases in the province. Authorities have urged anyone with more information to come forward.
📣 Help Raise Awareness
If you knew David Monese or have any information that could assist investigators, please contact Mogwase SAPS. Let’s continue to share and raise awareness around cases of missing and murdered individuals.
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