The intensive manhunt for 41-year-old James Mohajane has ended after members of the Moeka Vuma community handed the suspected triple murderer over to police less than 12 hours after his photograph was circulated publicly.

Mohajane was wanted in connection with the brutal deaths of his girlfriend, Moipone Lefoka, her sister, Esther Lefoka, and Esther’s boyfriend, Tshepo Molekwa, in Moeka Vuma near Makapanstad in the North West.

The three victims were allegedly hacked to death with a spade at Molekwa’s house over the weekend.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed on Thursday that Mohajane was handed over to police by community members at about 9.30 am.

The breakthrough came after police issued a public alert and circulated a photograph of the wanted suspect, prompting members of the community, the media and social media users to assist investigators in tracking him down.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane praised the community for its swift response and cooperation.

“Once again, our communities have demonstrated that they are an important partner in the fight against crime,” Dimpane said.

She said the assistance provided by the community, together with the efforts of media organisations and social media users who shared Mohajane’s photograph, had played a significant role in bringing the suspect into police custody.

“We thank everyone who played a role,” Dimpane said.

The arrest follows a previous incident in which community members in Klerksdorp assisted police in apprehending a wanted man accused of killing his girlfriend in a backroom in Soweto.

Mohajane’s arrest brings a major breakthrough in the investigation into the Moeka Vuma killings, which have drawn renewed attention to violent crimes against women and vulnerable people during Women’s Month.

In the initial police appeal, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Mohajane had allegedly been with the three victims before their bodies were discovered at the house on Sunday morning.

Police said Mohajane was not at the scene when officers arrived. His cellphone was allegedly found at the crime scene.

The motive for the killings remains under investigation.

Police had warned members of the public not to approach or confront Mohajane if they spotted him, urging them instead to provide information to investigators.

Now in custody, Mohajane is expected to face the criminal justice process as investigators continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the events leading up to the alleged attack.

Dimpane also commended the police investigators and other members involved in the manhunt for their efforts to ensure that the wanted suspect was brought into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police expected to gather further evidence and establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths of Lefoka, her sister Esther and Molekwa.

The case is likely to provide investigators with an opportunity to establish the motive and reconstruct the events that preceded the triple killing.

SAPS has again urged communities to work with police by providing information that could help prevent and solve serious and violent crimes.