DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a triple murder suspect while he was at a traditional healer’s house for cleansing.
Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said police conducted a joint operation in Ntambanana near Empangeni, northern KZN, following up on information regarding the three security guards that were killed in the area last month.
The deceased were identified as Sibusiso Zwane, 43, Mxolisi Shabalala, 37, and Bongani Gumede, 38.
“A 30-year-old suspect was arrested at the traditional healer’s house in Ntambanana where he was attempting to cleanse himself. The suspect was found in a vehicle in unlawful possession of an AK47 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition and a security radio.
“Initial investigation that was conducted at the scene revealed that the vehicle was stolen in oThongathi last month. The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing,” Gwala said.
Gwala said on the night of the murders, on January 5, at 8.30pm, three security guards were shot dead while they were in a vehicle at Othini Reserve in Ntambanana. The suspects fled the scene on foot after the incident.
She said charges of murder were opened by Ntambanana SAPS.
“The suspect appeared before the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court today. He was remanded in custody until tomorrow,” Gwala said.
In October 2021, police arrested six suspects, aged between 23 and 60, for stock theft and armed robbery in Hlobane and Vryheid, northern KZN.
The suspects were arrested at the homestead of a traditional healer where the suspects were hiding.
Police also recovered four pistols along with 26 rounds of ammunition and an undisclosed amount of cash was recovered by police. Two vehicles were seized and taken to the pound for further investigation.
In July 2021, police arrested seven suspects for a string of armed robberies in the northern KZN areas of Bergville and Ladysmith. The men were arrested while at a traditional healer’s residence for cleansing and protection. Five suspects were arrested in the river and two suspects were arrested at the homestead.
Police recovered a 9mm pistol and folded packet from a security company were recovered at the traditional healer’s place of residence. Police divers are currently searching for the bag containing cash and firearms that were thrown by the suspects as they were fleeing the scene.
Daily News