Seven arrested for police murder

THREE more men implicated in the death of Mariannhill policeman Thabo Mlotshwa were arrested at the weekend. This follows the arrest of four men last week for their role in the policeman’s murder in Mpola near Mariannhill.

It is alleged that on Friday 15 November, Mlotshwa, who was stationed at the National Intervention Unit in Mariannhill, left his home for Mpola to meet his girlfriend. On his arrival at Mpola he was allegedly attacked by men who shot him twice and buried his body in a shallow grave. The men allegedly took Mlotshwas wallet, cellphones, bag, firearm and vehicle.

Mlotshwas’ vehicle was found abandoned at Lindelani in Ntuzuma on Tuesday 19 November. The provincial tracking team tracked one of the men to his home in Mpola where they found two shovels, Mlotshwa’s bag, firearm retainer, a blood stained curtain and muddied shoes.

The police seized the items and proceeded to a house where one of the men was hiding. When police questioned the man he confessed to his involvement in the killing of the policeman. Four men were arrested in the follow up investigation and the most recent arrests brings the total to seven.

Provincial commissioner, Lt. General Mmamonnye Ngobeni expressed her shock and disappointment that another policeman had been killed in the province.

“It is very disturbing that these thugs targeted a very young and productive member of the SAPS and killed him for their own personal reasons. We will ensure that his colleagues and family receive the necessary support during this period of bereavement from members of our Employee Health and Wellness,” said Ngobeni.

All seven men were charged with murder and appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate Court on Monday 25 November.