Mpumalanga police make arrest in Hillary Gardee murder case

The provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, made the announcement just after 23:00 on Friday May 6 outside the Gardee family home in West Acres.

“We managed to arrest one male suspect within the 72 hours that we were given, ” said Manamela.

“We believe that we have the right suspect and we look forward to making more arrests as the investigation continues.”

According to a statement by a provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, the team showed dedication and relentlessness.

“Amid the hurdles and pressure that the team faced as the nation and the world watched them with anticipation, the men and women in blue proved that they were equal to the task,” said Mdhluli.

“They skilfully and professionally carried out their duties from the onset when the body was discovered outside Mbombela, following the trail of evidence up to a point when the investigation led them to the arrest of the suspect,” he said.

The suspect is facing a murder charge and more charges could be added against him as the investigation proceeds.

He is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday May 9.

The police are adamant that more arrests could be made in connection with the case.

Manamela thanked the police minister, Gen Bheki Cele, and the national police commissioner, Gen Fannie Masemola, for the unwavering support they have shown Mpumalanga.

“We also want to thank the public for their overwhelming support and encouragement. We were never derailed, but we will only be satisfied once justice is served and every person who had a hand in Hillary Gardee’s murder is brought to book,” she said.