Police were alerted to a group of men in a Toyota Avanza, reportedly on their way to commit crime at one of the local lodges on Friday, April 24. When officers spotted the vehicle, they stopped it, intending to initiate a search.
One of the occupants, Mbongeni Dube (28) climbed out of the vehicle and shot at the officers. They retaliated and subsequently Dube was shot and killed. Dube’s firearm was seized and it was found that the serial number was filed off.
The other three suspects, Shane Ngutjane (21), Prince Lebogang Mahumane (23) and Thulani Silubane (26) were also arrested. Police found that they were wanted for several crimes, including murder, rape and armed robbery.
The trio appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, murder and attempted murder. The case was remanded to Wednesday (April 29) to enable the men to seek legal aid representation and then to May 6.
Upon investigation, it was found that Dube was on a list of wanted suspects in connection with crimes like murder, rape, car-jacking, armed robbery and house robbery. Police also believe he was part of a gang operating on the Sabie Road.
