The Mpumalanga police released a statement announcing the arrest of two suspects connected to the killing of ANC councillor Sibonelo Mthembu Ntshangase (36) and two other members of the ANC who were shot and killed in Thandakukhanye (Longhomes Township) on Friday.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, expressed her gratitude to the assembled team.

“They arrested two male suspects, aged 43 and 52, in connection with the fatal shooting in which a councillor, identified as Ntshangase, and other two people identified as Sandile Khumalo (51) and Sizwe Mbingo (40) were gunned down on the evening of Friday at about 20:00.”

A case of three counts of murder was opened and a team of investigators was immediately assembled.

“The team made a breakthrough after receiving information on the whereabouts of the two male suspects who were arrested yesterday, and during the arrest, an automatic rifle with ammunition was confiscated.

“They are both charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

“The police also confiscated other firearms and ammunition alleged to be owned by a certain security company, however, that matter is still under investigation to determine the lawful owners thereof.

“The investigation is still underway and the two could also possibly face other charges, including the said fatal shooting of the three victims, but for now, they are expected to appear in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today on the charges of being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.”

Manamela urged members of the public and the families and colleagues of the slain victims to remain calm and allow the police time to bring all the perpetrators to book, while they allow the due processes of the law to take its course.