Fikile Mbalula rubs his head during a media briefing about the results of the ANC's Strategy and Tactics panel at the party's 54th National Elective Conference at Nasrec, Johannesburg on 20 December 2017. Nathi Mthethwa and Mbalula spoke about changes in the panel's policy, the importance of gender equity and the need to institute an inquiry on state capture. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia
South Africa Police Minister Fikile Mbalula on Thursday commended the work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu Natal in arresting a suspect believed to be a hitman at the notorious Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi.
This comes after suspected gunman Mondli Mthethwa appeared at Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following his arrest on Christmas eve. He is alleged to be involved in two murders at the Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi, as well as other murder cases in the Bhekithemba area.
Mthethwa is set to appear in court again on January 3 for a bail application.
“The arrest and appearance in court of this suspected criminal brings hope to the people of Umlazi especially those who stay at the Glebelands Hostels. More to this, our work at Glebelands under the command of Provincial Acting Commissioner is yielding good results,” Mbalula said in a statement.
“We can not continue to coexist with criminality and violence. Having been at the hostel to listen to the people who stressed that safety is their biggest concern, we opened a satellite police station. This as response to that, amongst other concerns. I salute the work of the KwaZulu Natal SAPS following many arrests made, firearms, ammunition and many other dangerous weapons taken off the streets to fight the scourge of violent crimes in the province.”
More than 100 people have been shot and killed at the notorious hostel in the he past two years. Earlier this month, Mbalula opened a satellite police station in Glebelands in a bid to restore law and order in the area.
Mbalula thanked the people of Umlazi for their continued support of the efforts made by SAPS in bringing about safety in their community.
– African News Agency (ANA)
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