No arrests made 74 days later since Joseph Mabuza’s death

MBOMBELA – Today marks 74 days since former spokesperson for the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), Mr Joseph Mabuza was killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Mabuza was travelling to Mbombela on the N4 when his motorbike collided with a bakkie, of which the driver fled the scene while Mabuza was killed instantly.

Mpumalanga News enquired with the SAPS regarding the investigation. Questions were forwarded to the provincial police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi, last Tuesday following preliminary investigations that revealed the owner of the bakkie and allegations of the driver crossing the border to Eswatini a few days after the tragic accident.

Hlathi said he was not in a position to divulge details of the investigation, but said the owner has been cooperating with the police. “I am not at liberty to reveal much at this stage, but investigations are continuing. “The owner of the car was able to identify the driver and we are aware about the allegations that he fled to Eswatini. However, it has not yet been proven if he really crossed the border.”

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He was also asked if there was any swift action taken to apprehend the suspect, since the SAPS is a member of Interpol that assists in preventing, fighting and investigating global crime and in bringing fugitives to justice, to which he did not respond.

Spokesperson for the DCSSL, Mr Moeti Mmusi said it was the department’s wish for the case to be finalised urgently, so the family would find closure.

“The matter is under police investigation and we are hoping the responsible person for the accident is brought to book. “This will serve as a lesson to others who break the rules on the road and cause pain to friends and families of those killed in car accidents,” said Mmusi.

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Mabuza was  laid to rest on December 29, 2018 at Communio Church.