IPID arrests more eMbalenhle police officers: Case postponed to March
Constables Pieter Mavale and Ntakadzeni joined Constables Zanele Zondo, Ntsikelelo Mayataza and Sandile Zondo, reservist Simphiwe Maseko, and Sergeant Zwelakhe Fodo in the court’s dock on January 29.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested two additional police officers from eMbalenhle in connection with the murder of Mkhapheni Mbatha, who died in October last year.
Constables Pieter Mavale and Ntakadzeni Makhado were arrested on January 29, joining Constables Zanele Zondo, Ntsikelelo Mayataza and Sandile Zondo, reservist Simphiwe Maseko, and Sergeant Zwelakhe Fodo, who were previously charged in the matter and were released on R2000 bail each.
According to IPID, it is alleged that the officers assaulted and tortured Mbatha during a drug search at his home in the Mandela Section, eMbalenhle, on October 2, 2025.
Mbatha was later taken to the Extension 4 Clinic, where he was declared dead.
The officers face charges that include murder, two counts of kidnapping, three counts of common assault, a count of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), and defeating the ends of justice.
Following the arrest of the two additional officers, all the accused appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on January 29.
The case was postponed to March 2 for a regional court date.
