DETECTIVE work requires diligence and hardcore investigative skills to crack even high-profile cases. These were the sentiments shared at the Wentworth Police Station following a major breakthrough made by one of the station’s senior detectives.
Also read: Twelve-year sentence for Wentworth’s accused murderer
Detective Sergeant Bhekithemba Zulu secured two convictions in separate murder incidents that happened in 2023. Zulu is stationed at the Wentworth Police Station. In the first case, the accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder at the Durban Regional Court on September 20.
Also read: Wentworth detective secures two high-profile convictions
The accused, Brent Manuel Petrus (21) was found guilty of the murder committed in the Wentworth flats in May 2023. According to the information received from the police, the accused and another suspect approached the victim at the Wentworth flats in Woodville, where the accused opened fire, resulting in a bullet wound to the victim’s chest.
The victim was rushed to Wentworth Hospital where he was later transferred to King Edward Hospital where he died on May 15 last year.
Police spokesperson in Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said that the police were alerted of the incident and responded swiftly.
“The members of the Wentworth Vispol Unit attended the scene. Upon arrival, a group of people who had gathered at the scene gave the police information about the shooting. A case of attempted murder was opened at Wentworth Police Station, which was later turned into a murder docket.”
Also read: JUST IN: Shooting incident in Wentworth leaves two people injured
The police launched a manhunt in search of the suspects, however, no arrests were made at the time. A case was assigned to Zulu who used his investigative skills to hunt down the suspects. The accused was arrested on May 5 last year and detained for murder.
“Statements were obtained by investigating officer Detective Sergeant Zulu, who gathered all evidence and prepared a case for court proceedings. After a thorough investigation, the accused was charged with murder, and numerous court appearances were conducted.
“The investigating officer opposed bail, and the accused remained in Westville Prison until the case was finalised. The investigating officer commended all witnesses who came forward to give statements. The accused is now serving a sentence in Westville Prison,” said Gumede.
Also read: Cops nab suspect linked to Wentworth attempted murder case
The Station Commander, Colonel Sinayo Mtshali, and management commended Zulu for securing a conviction and making sure the accused who committed a serious crime remained behind bars. In a second case, two men were convicted of robbery at the Durban Regional Court recently. The first accused was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment while the second was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for robbery. The arrest of the two suspects was made during the police random search at one of the flats in Wentworth on July 22, 2023.
“While conducting a random search, one of the police officers noticed a suspect who was implicated in an armed robbery case. The suspect was arrested immediately, and upon checking the case information, his name had been mentioned in a robbery with a firearm which was committed on July 17, 2023.
“In this incident, the victim was robbed at gunpoint, and his gold bracelet and other belongings were taken. Upon investigation, a second suspect was arrested and detained, as well. Both suspects, aged 22 and 28, were charged with robbery with a firearm. Branch Commander Lieutenant Colonel Dale Duke commended Zulu for his recent convictions, ”Gumede added.
The Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Zulu has been highly praised for working tirelessly to secure both convictions. Both accused are serving a sentence in Westville Prison.
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