Durban - A suspect considered to be one of KwaZulu-Natal’s “most wanted” criminals has been arrested, and was expected to appear in court on Thursday.
The 45-year-old man was arrested in Mtunzini, northern KZN, on Tuesday night during an operation involving members of Empangeni crime intelligence and the police Rapid Rail Response Unit.
He was to appear in the Mtunzini Magistrate’s Court in connection with two counts of murder and for being in possession of unlicensed firearms.
KZN police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said the suspect had been sought in connection with the murders of Khulekani Mgwaba, 31, and Sibusiso Mnguni, 34, in Mtunzini on September 27.
He was also linked to four murders in Durban committed in 2008, Zwane said.
KZN police commissioner Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni was delighted with the breakthrough.
“The suspect was on the run as from 2008 and finally he is behind bars. I also thanked the members of the community for valuable information they gave to the police that led to the arrest of the suspect,” she said. “The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to check if they were used in any other crimes.”
Zwane said police followed up information that led them to the Manzamnyama area in Mtunzini where they searched a house. The suspect was arrested and found in possession of two unlicensed firearms - a .38 revolver and a 9mm pistol with 46 live rounds.
“It is alleged that the suspect shot and killed the two victims and fled the scene. The motive for their killings is unknown,” said Zwane.
Local ward councillor MZ Nkwanyana on Wednesday welcomed the arrest, saying he had lost all hope of the killer(s) being brought to book.
“I didn’t know the boys (victims) well, but I had never heard anything bad being said about them. I also have no idea why they were killed.”
Zwane said the suspect had been linked to the murders of four security guards in Durban.
“It is alleged that the suspect was involved in the killing of two security guards at Duffs Road Railway station in 2008.
“The suspect was also linked to the killing of Thamsanqa Mdletshe, 35, at Duffs Road near Duffs railway station on May 27, 2008. He was also wanted for another murder case that was reported at B section near Thembalihle railway station on May 20, 2008.”
Daily News