The body of Sozabile Dlamini (49) was found in a bush in the Ethunzini area with gunshot wounds to the body on February 14 at approximately 6pm. Seven spent cartridges were found at the scene.

A case of murder was opened for investigation at Bergville SAPS. On Saturday, February 20 members of the Upper Tugela borderline acted on an intelligence-driven information about the whereabouts of the suspect wanted for murder.

The members proceeded to Emmaus where a 21-year-old suspect was arrested in the Ethunzini area. He was also found in possession of a CZ pistol with 37 live rounds of ammunition.

He appeared in the Bergville Magistrates’ Court on Monday, February 22 on charges of murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunitions. The firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if it was used in the commission of any crime in the country.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni praised the members for the arrest of the murder suspect and the recovery of the unlicensed firearm. “This indicates that the members are committed in making sure that all the perpetrators of crime are brought to book,” she said.