DURBAN: The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested a 24-year-old suspect, for the alleged murder of Constable Portia Mhlanga, who was stationed at the uMlazi Police Station.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said Ntando Mkhize was apprehended by Hawks members, from the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation, and Public Order Police.
Mhlongo said Constable Mhlanga was allegedly shot and killed by Mkhize, while she was off-duty, at E section in uMlazi, on May 7, 2021.
She was taken to hospital for medical attention, where she was declared dead on arrival, he said.
The Hawks said a case of murder was reported at uMlazi Police Station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members for intensive investigation.
“On Thursday, August 19, 2021, members received information that the suspect was hiding in the Glebelands Hostel, in uMlazi. An operation was swiftly conducted and members proceeded to the hostel, where he was arrested,” said Mhlongo.
Mkhize was charged with murder and briefly appeared in the uMlazi Magistrate’s Court on August 23, 2021.
The suspect was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to August 30, 2021, for a formal bail application.
THE MERCURY