Crime

Hawks uncover further crimes linked to Ermelo murder accused

Investigators found 50 license discs and accompanying documents at the suspect's residence. Some of the license disc documents had been used.

ERMELO – The Hawks investigation into the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius has uncovered additional evidence that may link the accused to other criminal offences.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Hawks, one of the accused’s BWM was stolen in eMalahleni (Witbank) in 2018.

The BMW vehicle that was reportedly stolen in 2018. Photo | Supplied/DCSSL

The stolen BMW is identical to the one that was found torched in Ermelo after it was suspected to have been used as a get-away vehicle during the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius.

During the investigation the investigating team visited the residence of one of the murder accused, where three BMW vehicles were found.

“Investigation revealed that one of the vehicles found at the suspect’s residence was the same vehicle that was reportedly stolen in Witbank six years ago,” Nkosi said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) were tampered with.

In addition, 50 license discs and documents were also found at this premises.

Some of the license discs documents were already used, whilst some were still intact.

The suspected BMW 325i, as well as the vehicle documents, were seized, and an inquiry was registered for further investigation.

The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, said the Ermelo murder case was assigned to the investigating team who are following up on all investigative processes.

“The team could potentially uncover more evidence that would add possible further criminal charges against the accused. The team will not relent and will vigorously pursue all leads and gather evidence as required,” Gerber stated.

The five accused, a former police official, Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Nyiko Mujovo (30) and Valencia Skhosana (36) appeared in Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on January 20.

The case was postponed to January 27 and they were remanded in custody.

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Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.

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