The Hawks have linked only Charles Mbungeni Mabuza (35) to the brutal murder of chief traffic officer Judas Chiloane (60).
He was arrested along with Harward Malume Mashego (38), whom the Hawks found not to be linked to the murder.
The two men were apprehended in Shabalala Trust near Hazyview two days after Chiloane’s murder on Saturday March 11.
Chiloane was shot multiple times by two men using his own service firearm. He was with his female friend during the ordeal, who came away from the incident unharmed. The couple had parked somewhere just off the road between Hazyview and Sabie.
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The Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, said, “During the investigation, the team discovered that Mabuza’s accomplice is on the run. They are tracing him.”
“Mashego was not present during the murder. However, the investigation will continue to establish his relationship with the other suspects.”
She said both men appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court yesterday, March 15. Mabuza faces charges of murder and possession of a prohibited firearm, while Mashego faces a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
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Both cases were postponed to Wednesday March 22 for the suspects to acquire legal representation while they remain in custody.
Sekgotodi said the investigation continues.
