eMalahleni cop arrested in connection with wife’s murder

Sergeant Tendani Masindi (39), accused of murdering his wife, is expected to make a formal bail application at the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court on September 10.

He made his first court appearance yesterday and was remanded in custody.

According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Masindi’s wife, Elsie Mothali (37), was shot several times while driving. The vehicle crashed into a fence and got stuck in a trench.

The incident took place in eMalahleni at about 03:30 on Sunday.

“The sergeant handed himself over to the Witbank police and handed in a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of crime.

“The weapon is suspected to be a state-issued firearm and ballistic testing will be conducted as part of the probe. He was arrested and the case docket was handed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for further handling,” Mdhluli says.

While the motive for the killing is unknown, domestic violence cannot be ruled out, he adds.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the couple was having some domestic-related challenges.”

According to acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, although Ipid is handling the investigation, the Mpumalanga police are also conducting an internal investigation.

Firearms should only be used by police to fight crime and to defend themselves when their or others’ lives are in danger, says Mkhwanazi.

“Members should seek professional help whenever they come across challenges in their families. The SAPS has put in place employee health and wellness programmes to assist members,” he adds.