Police still tight-lipped over N4 slayings
Task team also probing second double murder in Kabokweni.
Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has reassured the public that the specialist task team, comprising seasoned serious and violent crime detectives, is busy ‘connecting the dots’ in the shocking double murder of Ayanda Mapalala Ngobeni and Busisiwe Khumalo, whose bullet-riddled bodies were found inside a stationary BMW next to the N4 on Sunday morning.
The bodies were discovered shortly before 09:00, with one found in the front passenger seat and the other slumped over in the backseat of the BMW.
The vehicle’s number plates had been removed but were later discovered inside a suitcase in the car.
Both victims were attending a biker rally in eMalahleni and were offered a lift home back to Mbombela when the vehicle was discovered next to the N4 about 5km from the Alzu rest stop.
Police have not issued any updates regarding the ongoing investigations around the murders, saying the investigation is too sensitive to divulge any information at this stage.
The police also refuse to release any information on the driver of the BMW, apart from confirming earlier that the driver had been found safe.
Kabokweni double murder
The task team has also been tasked with investigating the double homicide of two men, who were found with gunshot wounds in Kabokweni.
Police responded to a complaint regarding two men caught in possession of alleged stolen goods.
Upon their arrival, the police found two men lying motionless with gunshot wounds. They were declared dead on the scene.
The police say no one was available on the scene to give an account of what had transpired after the police were called.
Families of the unnamed victims rushed to the scene following the shootings.
“The priority is to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. We also appeal for calm and encourage the public to allow investigators space to conduct thorough probes without any interference. Individuals who have pertinent details related to the cases need to co-operate with us,” General Mkhwanazi urged.
Members of the public with any information that could assist in these investigations can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send their tips via the My SAPS App. All information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
• Ngobeni’s funeral will be held in Mbombela on Saturday. Khumalo will be laid to rest in Mayflower on Sunday.
• Get your copy of the latest Middelburg Observer for a more detailed report on the N4 murders.
Read more:
N4 shooting victim identified as Mbombela Marathon Club secretary
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