DURBAN - Two suspects have appeared in court in connection with a double murder in KwaMashu.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala said the suspects, aged 20 and 26, appeared before the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on Monday on a double murder charge.
“It is alleged that on January 22, 2022, at 7.30pm, KwaMashu police were conducting crime prevention duties when they received a report of a shooting at Phumla Road. On arrival at the scene, police found the bodies of Bhekumndeni Makhathini, 43, and Bongumenzi Dludla, 44, with multiple gunshot wounds,” Gwala said.
She said charges of murder were opened at KwaMashu police station and following an investigation the suspects were traced and arrested on March 24.
Last month, KwaMashu police officers acted on intelligence that was received about a man in unlawful possession of firearms.
At the time, Gwala said police officers proceeded to Malandela Road in KwaMashu where they spotted a man who matched the given description and asked to search him. Upon searching a bag he was carrying, two 9mm pistols with the serial numbers erased and 14 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The 35-year-old suspect was arrested on the scene for unlawful possession of firearms. A thorough investigation revealed that the suspect was positively linked to a murder case that was committed in KwaMashu.
“It is alleged that on March 8, 2021, at midnight, the deceased, Khehla Sicelo Makhanya, 30, was with his friends including the accused, drinking inside an informal dwelling at Shayamoya Hostel, when a fight broke out. The suspect left and returned a short while later with a firearm. He opened fire into the room before fleeing the scene. Makhanya sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and was rushed to a local clinic for medical attention where he died upon his arrival. A murder case was opened at KwaMashu police station for investigation,” Gwala said.
She said the suspect appeared in court on charges of murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Daily News