Cape Town – Mpumalanga police have arrested two suspects in connection with the triple murder of ANC councilor, Sbonelo Mthembu and two other men in Piet Retief on Friday.
The suspects aged 43 and 52 were arrested on Monday, police said on Tuesday.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, Mthembu, 36, Sandile Khumalo, 51 and Sizwe Mbingo, 40 were shot in Mkhondo, shortly after they were dropped off by a friend with a bakkie.
The suspects then fled the scene.
“It is further alleged that the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at Mr Ntshangase who was in the yard, and also shot Mr Mbingo inside a bakkie who sadly died at the scene whilst Mr Khumalo was shot in the yard as well. Thereafter the suspects fled to unknown direction,” said Mohlala in a statement.
“A dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this disheartening incident,” said Mohlala.
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The police team worked around the clock until it made a breakthrough after officers received information on the whereabouts of the two suspects.
“Police will go as far as testing all seized firearms to determine whether they were not used previously in the commission of a crime.
“The police investigation is still underway and the two could also be possibly faced with other charges, including the said fatal shooting of the three victims.”
The duo was expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday, January 17, 2023 on the said charges of being found in possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
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Picture: Facebook/ Sbonelo Mthembu
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
