BARBERTON – The traffic officer of the Mpumalanga Provincial Government accused of killing a civilian in Emjindini, was released on R1 500 bail by the Barberton Magistrate’s Court last Monday.
Ivan Mahlalela apparently shot Bheki Makhathini (31), a member of the African National Congress Youth League, on Saturday December 7.
The incident occurred at New Village in Emjindini. It is alleged that Makhathini was walking with his friends when he tried to blockade the road where Mahlalela and his colleagues wanted to drive through. Const Tutu Nkosi, Barberton police spokesman said they were currently investigating the matter.
“The traffic officer who was accused of attempted murder, has now been charged for murder. Makhathini subsequently died at Barberton General Hospital last Monday and was laid to rest at Emjindini Cemetery on Saturday.”
It is supposed that Mahlalela was in full uniform and used his service pistol during the incident. The death of Makhathini has sparked outrage among the friends he was with when he was shot. On Sunday December 8, they allegedly damaged a traffic department vehicle. They have threatened to avenge the death of their friend by taking revenge on Mahlalela.
The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesman, Joseph Mabuza, said they were not aware of the incident.
Mahlalela’s next court appearance is on January 22.
