New evidence in cop murder

TONGA – The shooting and murder case of a Langeloop police officer, Const Sifiso Mabuza, last year has taken a turn with four of the seven suspects, initially arrested ,being released, three being charged with murder, and another additional four suspects added to the case.

The new suspects, Messrs Victor Sibiya (23), Wiseman Ngomane (25), Sindi Richman Mvubu (23) and Ms Teressa Mabaso (30), who appeared in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court last week Wednesday, were implicated after police found the gun used to kill Mabuza in possession of Mr Power Mahlalela, who told police that he was given the firearm by three men, Sibiya, Ngomane and Mvubu.

When police traced the whereabouts of the trio, they found that the men were already in custody for other crimes.

They charged the accused suspects and one of them confessed to the murder fingered Mabaso as the one who called the hit on Mabuza.

The three suspects charged for murder from the initial seven arrested are Mpendulo Makamo (25), Soneni Mhlabane (25) and Absolom Nkosi.

Due to insufficient evidence linking the other four to the case, they were released.

The case was postponed for yesterday, were the bail application of the four new suspects was expected to be heard, at the time of going to print, Corridor Gazette was unable to report on court proceedings.

Furthermore, during the festive season operations another breakthrough was made when Mr Innocent Lucas Ngomane, also known as Mantinti was arrested.

Police believe that Ngomane might have been the trigger man in the shooting and murder of Mabuza.

It is furthermore alleged Mabuza was one of seven police officers whose names were on a so-called hit list.

Langeloop community members remain curious as to why Mabuza was killed and why there was also an intent to kill other officers.