Second suspect arrested in connection with murder of Nelspruit deputy sheriff
The first suspect, a 35-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the murder of Michelle Jones.
The man accused of allegedly pulling the trigger in the murder of Nelspruit Deputy Sheriff, Michelle Jones has been arrested.
A provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the 34-year-old suspect allegedly handed himself over at the Nelspruit Police Station today, October 25.
He is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 27.
Jones (31) was killed and her partner critically injured in a shooting in Nelsville on Thursday night, October 20.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said in a press statement on Saturday, October 22 that a 35-year-old man, believed to have been with the gunman at the time of the shooting has been arrested, however, the second suspect was found and arrested today, October 25.
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According to family and friends of both Jones and her partner, the couple had recently purchased a house in the area however, a local man, allegedly known and feared by many Nelsville residents was disgruntled by the sale and had allegedly threatened the lives of Jones and her partner before the shooting.
Previous reports by Mohlala indicated that the alleged shooter was thought to be the ex-boyfriend of Jones, however, both family and friends of Jones have said that not only is this statement not true, but it has added to the distress of the family during this tragic time.
Jones, her partner and a friend had driven to a shop near a park in Nelsville at around 19:00 when the shooting occurred.
Once the car was parked, the friend had reportedly exited the vehicle to enter the shops when he saw two men who were known to her, hiding behind a tree near the car.
The men started approaching the car and one of them pulled out a gun and started firing into the car.
Jones’ partner was struck in the arm by bullets six times and Jones also suffered multiple bullet wounds. The pair were rushed to hospital where Jones was declared dead. Her partner, while in a stable condition, was seriously injured and his journey to recovery is expected to be a lengthy one.
