Murder suspects released by Public Prosecutor

SWIFT action on the part of KwaMsane police officers led to the arrest of four murder suspects just hours after the crime was committed.

Just days later, however, the suspects were released and the case was closed.

The incident occurred at Shikshela, Bhekamandla area, KwaMsane at the Bukhosini homestead, where a traditional ceremony was being held.

According to KwaMsane SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Jabulani Mdletshe, a dispute arose between the suspects and victim, and a fight ensued.

The deceased, 26-year-old Mthokozisi Khoza, sustained multiple stab wounds to his back and below his right shoulder.

He was rushed to a local clinic but died en route and his body was taken to the Mtubatuba government mortuary.

The suspects fled the scene but, with the help of community members, were tracked down and arrested in Shikshela just hours later.

Three of the four suspects, all aged between 24 and 28-years-old, were taken into custody and the fourth was hospitalised for injuries sustained during the fight.

KZN Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, praised the police officers for arresting the suspects.

‘We will ensure that the case is properly investigated so the suspects will be convicted and sentenced accordingly.

‘We applaud the community members for working with the police in ensuring the suspects were arrested.

‘I condemn such criminal acts where innocent people are attacked while attending a ceremony.’

The case went to court but the Public Prosecutor declined to prosecute as, he said, the incident occurred at night in a setting where everyone had been drinking so he could not be certain as to whether or not those arrested were indeed the suspects.

The accused were released and the case closed.

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