More arrests made in connection with Ermelo cop’s murder

The investigation into the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius has taken another turn with the arrest of four more suspects.

March 17, 2025

René Joubert 1 minute read

Valencia Skhosana (36), one of nine individuals charged with the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59), appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. Photo | Supplied/DCSSL

ERMELO – Four additional suspects, three men and one woman were arrested in connection with the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius and are scheduled to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court today, March 17.

This follows the January 16 shooting incident that claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59), commander of the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.

Five suspects were previously arrested in Mbombela (Nelspruit).

Prince Gift Mdluli, who was on the run after the murder was arrested in Komatipoort on March 8.

ALSO READ: UPDATE: Four accused in Lt Col Pretorius murder case abandon bail, co-accused’s hearing postponed

The five previously arrested suspects are former police official Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Nyiko Mujovo (30), and Valencia Skhosana.

Highvelder will update readers when more information is available.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

March 17, 2025

René Joubert 1 minute read

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.