A RELATIVE was among four people, aged between 28 and 38, who were arrested by police for killing a retired police officer allegedly for an insurance payout.
Police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said the arrest came after Melmoth detectives had received information on a vehicle with bloodstains at a service station in Eshowe on Friday at around 2pm.
Gwala said police went to the service station and found two men who were interrogated regarding the blood being cleaned in the vehicle.
“It was established that the men were hired to kill Sibusiso Mbonambi, 62, a retired police officer. Mbonambi was stationed at Eshowe SAPS where he was a warrant officer when he retired,” Gwala said.
Police worked through the night trying to locate the body which was reported to be dumped in the bushes at the Makhasaneni area in Melmoth, she said.
“On Saturday morning at 4am, the body of the retired policeman was found in the bushes with gunshot wounds to the upper body,” Gwala said.
“Further investigation led police to the arrest of two more suspects at Eshowe. One of the suspects is related to the victim, while the other suspect is a former employee of a community radio station.
“During the course of the investigation it was revealed that the deceased was killed due to insurance policies that were matured,” Gwala said.
She said the suspects are expected to due in the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court today (Monday) on charges of murder.
Meanwhile, Mbongolwane police are asking for assistance in finding police sergeant Simphiwe Phumlani Lucas Sibiya, 43, who is stationed at the same police station.
Gwala said it was alleged that Sibiya was last seen by his mother last Wednesday at 10pm at his homestead in the Ndikilini area in Mbongolwane, north of Durban.
Gwala added that Sibiya was due to marry this last Saturday.
“We request anyone who may have informed that can assist in finding him to please contact the Detective Branch Commander, Warrant Officer Hadebe on 082 459 1829 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.”
To comment on this story send a WhatsApp message to our BackChat column on 071 485 7995
Daily News