Cape Town – A former KwaZulu-Natal police station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mary-Jane Ziningi Zulu, who was accused of stealing R108 000 from the police’s evidence lock-up, reportedly took her life on Friday.
According to News24, the 55-year-old mother of two poisoned herself.
Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) spokesperson Grace Langa said Zulu was scheduled to appear in the Richards Bay commercial crimes court, where she was expected to plead guilty when she died.
“We were informed that she committed suicide and consumed poison this morning ahead of the court appearance,” the report quoted Langa as saying.
Zulu allegedly stole “exhibit money”, Times Live reported, adding that she faced charges of theft and non-compliance with the Ipid Act.
“(She) was expected to plead guilty in the Richards Bay commercial crimes court this morning. Unfortunately, we were informed this morning that the former station commander committed suicide. She consumed poison,” Langa said, according to the report.
In light of the developments, the matter was postponed to 4 March for the deceased’s lawyers to submit a death certificate to the court, reported The South African.
Reports indicated that Zulu first appeared in court in June 2021 when she was charged.
During a court appearance in December, she indicated her intention to plead guilty.
In 2016, she received the Policewoman of the Year award for 2015/2016 at a glittering awards ceremony at the plush Umhlanga Coastlands Hotel, News24 said.
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