Isipingo was the last stop on a bus trip for a man wanted in connection with the murder and kidnapping of a teacher in Wembezi, just outside Estcourt in the KZN Midlands in March.
On Monday, 2 May, police officers from the Umlazi K9 Unit and Durban Protection and Security Services netted the wanted man in a joint operation as they followed up on intelligence received.
Their investigations led them to a bus stop at Isipingo where they pounced on the man. He is expected to appear in Estcourt Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 3 May.
On 11 March, a school teacher at Bergville, Raymond Mabizela (47) was allegedly lured by his 28-year-old girlfriend to Wembezi. It is suspected that while he was at Wembezi, he was kidnapped by another boyfriend of the woman, and disappeared. The teacher was reported missing and on 24 March, his decomposed body was found covered by a carpet in a donga at Wembezi. A case of murder and kidnapping was opened at Wembezi police station.
Following a thorough investigation by detectives, the girlfriend was arrested. She appeared in Estcourt Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody until 6 May for a bail application.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lt General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended police for responding so speedily and progressively to the murder in their subsequent investigation. “It is a sad reality that most of our murders are committed by those the victims love and trust the most. Incidents like these are unnecessary, cruel and inhumane. We will do everything that is within our control to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” she said.
