Two accused arrested in connection with the killing of Sergeant Lawrence Dumisani Mtshweni abandoned their bid for bail in the Tonga Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga yesterday.

Lowvelder reports that Rodgers Silinda and Tshepo Trevor Mashele, both 27, informed the court that they are no longer interested in applying for bail.

Mashele handed himself over to police last Thursday, while Silinda was arrested on Saturday, August 9, following an extensive manhunt.

The two are believed to be part of a group of about 10 armed people who ambushed and fatally shot Mtshweni on Friday, August 8, while police were responding to a tip-off about a burglary.

Following the incident, acting police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi led a police delegation to eSwatini after receiving intelligence that at least three suspects were hiding in Nyakatfo and Mantambe.

With the assistance of the Royal eSwatini Police, two suspects were cornered in Shiselweni and killed during a shoot-out with police.

A third suspect reportedly shot himself before he could be arrested. The names of the deceased suspects have not yet been released.

Mtshweni’s funeral was held at his home village of Schoemansdal on Saturday.

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