He was arrested by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team earlier that day. According to the provincial Hawks spokesperson, Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, three unknown suspects allegedly approached a tavern owner at his residence in Mbombela on June 21 last year.
“They allegedly introduced themselves as police officers who were investigating a murder at his tavern, and further introduced one of them as a member of the Hawks. They informed the victim that he was under arrest, and no further details were provided to him regarding the murder.
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“The victim’s denial and alibi that he was sick at home and had no knowledge of the incident were ignored. They allegedly demanded R60 000 to not carry out the arrest and further threatened him,” explained Sekgotodi.
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“The victim submitted to their demands and handed them approximately R60 000 as requested before they left his house. Later in the evening, one of the three suspects came back to the complainant’s house, demanded another R60 000, which he allegedly received. The matter was reported to the Hawks and an investigation was conducted, which resulted in the arrest of the first accused, Siboniso Ngomane (31), on April 7. He is the suspect who allegedly came back demanding an additional R60 000. He appeared in court on the same day and was released on R3 000 bail,” continued Sekgotodi.
Mthomboti was also released on R3 000 bail. The case against the duo was postponed to July 26 for further investigation. The police are hunting for the third suspect.
