An 80-year-old chief was arrested recently in connection with the shooting and killing of Zwelithini Dlamini (49) at his Matsulu home in January last year.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the elderly chief, who is a prominent figure within the community, was arrested on Friday November 4 in the Sherlock area near Low’s Creek.
Mdhluli said Dlamini had been killed in his home on January 4 last year and following his murder, a team of investigators was assembled to probe the case.
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“The members have been working around the clock on this case. The suspect’s arrest came as a breakthrough,” he said.
The suspect is expected to appear in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court today, November 7, facing a murder charge.
“The investigation is still ongoing and more details will unfold as it continues,” Mdhluli said.
Meanwhile, the Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, applauded the police for the arrest in a recent press statement.
“We applaud the Mpumalanga police under the sterling leadership of the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, for their continued efforts and commitment to solving cases, regardless of who is involved.
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“It also assists in restoring the community’s faith in the work of the security cluster.
“While we await due processes to unfold, it is saddening and deeply regrettable for such allegations to be levelled against a leader like the suspect. Leaders at all levels in our society are expected to play a role in crime prevention and the protection of communities.
“We are therefore calling on traditional leaders across the province to work with us in the fight against crime and not to abuse their positions to commit crime or even protect suspects,” said Shongwe.
The outcome of the chief’s court appearance was not yet available at the time of publishing.
