Pretoria - A 36-year-old town councillor is expected to appear in the Madadeni Magistrate's Court near Newcastle in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday following his arrest by the Hawks political task team for a 2015 case, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said.
The team, which was led by the Hawks and assisted by South African Police Service (SAPS) detectives, crime intelligence, and other specialised units arrested the suspect - a councillor from the Amajuba district municipality - on Saturday after it transpired that he allegedly "conspired and orchestrated" the bombing the house of a 46-year-old councillor in Newcastle two years ago, Hawks spokesman Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.
"It is alleged in 2015 unknown suspects allegedly planted explosives which later discharged and caused extensive damage. At the time it was suspected that the explosion was caused by bad plumbing since the explosives were allegedly concealed next to the geyser. No case was opened. However, in September this year the team received information of the suspect's deceit.
"It is understood that the two councillors had a fallout, also linked are allegations of undue influence and possible corruption. With that in mind the suspect conspired to slay his confidante with a view not to expose him from his alleged underground dealings," Mulaudzi said.
The councillor allegedly approached potential witnesses not to co-operate with the investigation, promising them cash in return for the that favour.
"On Saturday the team reined in the suspect and he has been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, defeating the ends of justice, and violation of the Explosives Act. Investigations continue," Mulaudzi said.