Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdluli says a woman was arrested alongside the two suspected murderers of Protea bass angler John Wickham, who was shot and killed protecting his wife, Magda, during a brazen invasion of their luxury Dullstroom holiday cottage in November last year.

According to Mdluli, a Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team followed information which led to the arrest of James Cumiao (38) at Marikana, Cullinan, in Gauteng, on November 30.

He was initially charged with contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, however, after further investigation, Cumiao was on January 12 subsequently charged with murder and robbery.

James Cumiao (38).During the probe, information surfaced on the whereabouts of a suspect in possession of an unlicensed firearm in Cullinan. On Tuesday, the investigation led investigators to the front door of Gil Ernesto Manave (38).

An unlicensed firearm was found during the search of the property, which has been sent for ballistic analysis.

Another suspect, a 28-year-old female, also from Mozambique, was also apprehended and charged with contravening immigration laws. Mdluli added that the woman is further suspected of involvement with Wickham’s murder.

Manave was charged with illegal possession of a suspected stolen firearm with live ammunition, as well as the contravention of the immigration act. He appeared in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Control prosecutors are currently weighing whether to charge Manave as an accessory to murder, after the fact, alongside Cumiao. He also faces a charge of defeating the ends of justice.

The matter was postponed to today for the appointment of an interpreter. The woman cannot be identified as she is yet to appear in court.