NEWCASTLE – Police Minister Nathi Nhleko gave a progress report at a media briefing held in Cape Town on July 28, where he spoke in detail about the recent alleged political killings in the province.
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Minister Nhleko gave details on the progress of investigations, and also the number of suspects arrested to date.
The murder case of slain ANC Ward 6 Candidate July 2, Thembi Mbongo is still under investigation and no arrests have been made. However, a task team set up to investigate the spate of killings suspected to be politically motivated is still hunting down the suspects.
Another incident on May 8 at a local drinking location in Madadeni is also still under investigation. Two gunmen shot and killed ANCYL member Wandile ‘Manqasha’ Ngubeni, and attempted to kill Mafika Mndebele in front of witnesses.
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According to Hawks (DPCI) and Crime Intelligence, they are running aspects of the investigation from different angles, even though no arrests have been made yet.
The police are busy with information from cell numbers, and are putting together identikits from witness accounts.
More incidents in KwaZulu Natal:
- An attempted murder case in oSizweni, Newcastle at Ezamekhaya Primary School is also still under investigation. One suspect was arrested. The case was heard in court on July 22.
- In Ezakheni, Ladysmith, a murder and attempted murder which occurred on February 13 was recorded by SAPS. No arrests have been made.
- Two suspects were successfully linked to the double murder in Mehlokazulu Township just outside Pietermaritzburg, KZN. One of the suspects arrested couldn’t be linked. The case was heard in court on August 23 and investigations are on-going.
- Seven suspects were arrested for murder and attempted murder in Intshanga, Durban. The case was heard in court on July 26, and investigations are on-going.
- A case of unlicensed firearm in Montclair, outside Durban was recorded by SAPS. The matter was heard in court on July 27.
- Mountain Rise, Pietermaritzburg, where a case of public violence was recorded by SAPS. Three suspects were arrested.
- A case of assault GBH was recorded by SAPS in Intshanga, Durban. Three suspects were arrested. The matter was heard before the court on July 21.
- A murder case was recorded at SAPS Umlazi, Durban. The murder occurred on April 16. No arrests have been made yet, and the matter under investigation.
- A case of damage to property was recorded by SAPS of an incident which occurred at Emsundubili, KZN.
- At Umhlali, Durban on June 7, a case was recorded by SAPS of damaged property where an unknown suspect bombed the house of local councillor.
- At Harding, KZN a case of assault GBH was recorded by SAPS of an incident which occurred on May 10.
- A murder case involving two suspects was recorded by SAPS of an incident which took place in Nongoma, May 16. No arrests have been made.
- In Howick, KZN on June 3 an outspoken former IFP councillor was murdered. The suspects are still at large.
- On June 1 a murder occurred in Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg. The victim arrived at home and was attacked and killed in his driveway. The matter is still under investigation.
- Another murder also took place in Plessislaer, Pietermaritzburg on June 1. The victim was travelling with his children when shot and killed. No arrests have been made and the matter is still under investigation. It was reported by Minister Nhleko the victim was a witness in a fraud and corruption case.
