Police have confirmed the arrest of Prince Gift Mdluli in Komatipoort this morning.

Highvelder News reports that Mdluli, who was sought in connection with the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, was taken into custody during a police operation.

Pretorius, the commander of the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in Ermelo, was fatally shot on January 16.

The Witness reported in February that Mdluli was also wanted by the Hawks for multiple cash-in-transit robberies and may have been hiding near Pietermaritzburg.

Highvelder News reports that a joint media statement by the Hawks and the Mpumalanga provincial commissioner of SAPS has been issued with more details of his arrest.

His arrest, in one of the clothing shops while wearing dirty and worn-out clothes, followed a tip-off from community members at about 08:00, prompting immediate police action.

Mdluli will now join his five co-accused: Former police official Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Nyiko Mujovo (30), and Valencia Skhosana, who remain in custody. Four of the accused abandoned their bail applications in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on February 18 and are set to reappear on April 10.

The fifth suspect, Skhosana, proceeded with her bail application but was also remanded in custody after appearing in court on February 18 and 27. She will continue her bail application on Wednesday.

Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber thanked the community, private security industry, and external stakeholders for their proactive response in the search for Mdluli.

He said several sightings had been reported and every lead thoroughly pursued.

Members of the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, tactical teams, and other divisions worked tirelessly to track down Mdluli, leading to his arrest.

“I appreciate the community’s involvement, as this clearly shows that communities are standing behind law enforcement and are themselves tired of criminality,” said Gerber.

He commended the dedication of law enforcement officers involved in the case. “A job well done,” he concluded.

• The article has been amended since it was first published, to include details about the arrest.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.