A week after a massive intelligence-driven manhunt resulted in the arrest of various alleged farm murderers, police have tracked down another suspect.

Piet and Tilla van Zyl’s alleged murderers caught
Hazyview Herald previously reported that eight suspects had been arrested on September 4. According to police records, arrestees on that day totalled seven.
“This is the last one that we have been looking for. We can confirm that there are no more suspects,” said a reliable source. The source has been involved in the investigation since August 20, when Limpopo residents Piet and Tilla van Zyl were found dead in their home on the Kalkpoort game farm. Piet had seven gunshot wounds, and Tilla had been shot once.

Charges dropped against Van Stadens
Upon learning of the farm murder, investigators started collecting intelligence. This led private security officers to the doorstep of six Lowvelders. Bongani Smanga Mabuza (35), Bheki Thapelo Mhlabane (30), Mpho Phanuel Mbuyane (33), Nthando Shabane (29), Sfiso Elijah Mlazi (36) and Dumisani Lucky Nkosi (33) were arrested in and around Hazyview. Another suspect – Zimbabwean Vision Mbongwe – was arrested in Mookgophong. Mbongwe had previously worked for the Van Zyls for 24 years. “He was fired after it was alleged that he had colluded with a group of alleged rhino poachers arrested in Kalkpoort in 2016,” said the source. Investigators have linked the accused in the Van Zyl murder case to rhino poaching kingpin, Big Joe Nyulungu. Nyalungu has been on trial since 2011. All seven were charged with murder in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court.
One of Mbongwe’s relatives was recently arrested. “He is suspected of colluding to bring about the events of August 20,” said the source. “We believe Vision introduced him to the group.”
He cannot be named until he has appeared in court. The source confirmed that the eight were set to appear in the Zebediela Periodical Court again on Wednesday, when the state will oppose bail. The outcome of this case was not available by the time of going to press.

Also read: Community voices anger over shooting