A 35-year-old murder suspect who had been evading arrest for 11 years was apprehended during Operation Basadi in the Nkomazi area yesterday, August 20.

The operation was conducted in partnership with traffic officials, SARS Customs, the Department of Home Affairs, Emergency Medical Services, vehicle tracking companies, and private security personnel.

According to police, the suspect is believed to be involved in the murder of Mduduzi Nkuna, who was stabbed and killed at Block B, Tonga, on May 24, 2015.

Read: Man shot dead outside Hazyview after-tears gathering

Alleged tavern fight leads to stabbing

Lowvelder previously reported that Tonga SAPS stated the suspect, along with others, was at a tavern with Nkuna when a fight broke out over a girl. The suspects allegedly stabbed him in the chest.
The man is expected to appear in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court today, August 21, on a charge of murder.

Roadblock nets illicit goods and fines

On the day of the arrest, the operation focused on a roadblock on the N4 near the Nkomazi Toll Plaza, as well as tracing wanted suspects and raiding shops trading in counterfeit and illicit goods.

Thirteen undocumented foreign nationals were arrested, while traffic fines worth about R76 400 were issued to motorists for contraventions of the National Road Traffic Act.

A total of 438 illicit and counterfeit items valued at about R619 960 were seized during the operation, including cosmetics, cellphone accessories, watches, toys, and cigarettes.