State to use DNA in murdered cop case

Published Nov 26, 2013

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Durban - The State is expected to use DNA evidence in its case against two Mariannhill men accused of killing a policeman nearly two weeks ago.

The men appeared briefly in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded into police custody for blood samples to be drawn.

The State also needed to establish if the men had any previous convictions or pending cases against them, State advocate Sbongiseni Mtwetwa said.

Mthokozisi Ngcobo, 23, and Khulekani Vilakazi, 20, face charges of murder and theft in connection with the death of Thabo Mlotshwa, a 32-year-old constable from the National Intervention Unit.

His body was found riddled with bullets and buried in a shallow grave last Wednesday. He had been missing since the previous Friday.

It is believed Mlotshwa was lured to Mpola, near Mariannhill, by a known hijacker, pretending to be a woman, and ambushed by several men.

It has been claimed that he and the hijacker were in a relationship with the same woman.

Mlotshwa’s two cellphones, his wallet and his car were allegedly stolen during the incident. His car has since been recovered.

Ngcobo and Vilakazi were met by a large contingent of journalists when they entered the courtroom on Monday but magistrate Chris Annimalai refused an application put forward by the media to take pictures of them.

Ngcobo and Vilakazi are expected to come before a magistrate again next week for a formal bail application to take place.

The State would oppose bail, Mtwetwa said.

Three more men are expected to appear in court on Tuesday in connection with the crime.

The Mercury

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