Fighting crime is lifelong mission of eMbalenhle detective
Many perpetrators linked to his investigations are now serving lengthy prison sentences.
Detective Captain Melusi Mthombeni from eMbalenhle SAPS says he was destined to fight crime and bring perpetrators to book.
Born and raised in eMzinoni, Mthombeni said becoming a police officer had been his dream since his school days, and his family supported him throughout his journey.
“Growing up in a township, you are exposed to many things, including seeing your peers involved in crime. As a police aspirant, I supported crime-fighting initiatives within my community.
“Because it was my ambition to become a cop, I sometimes patrolled with police officers. After completing matric, I applied when posts were advertised. I passed all the requirements and tests and was accepted for police training,” said Mthombeni.
After completing his training, he was placed at the eMbalenhle police station in 2002, where he worked in the visible policing unit before being transferred to the detective section.
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There, he was assigned to investigate murder cases and built a reputation for diligence and determination. Many perpetrators linked to his investigations are now serving lengthy prison sentences.
One of his recent high-profile investigations involved Sifiso Kubheka, an eMbalenhle man who was reported missing last year. His body was later discovered in a dam in Roodebank, with his hands and feet bound and tied to a large rock under the water. Through
Mthombeni’s investigation and the work of his team, four suspects were arrested and charged with murder, kidnapping, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and defeating the ends of justice.
One of the accused, Nhlanhla Nkosi, pleaded guilty and was sentenced by the Evander Regional Court to 57 years’ imprisonment.
The three co-accused, Mandla Skhosana, Sbusiso Skhosana and Seun Mpika pleaded not guilty and remain on trial. They appeared before the Evander Regional Court on February 5, and the case was postponed to April 1.
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“Investigating murder cases requires dedication and hard work. You are always under pressure from superiors, families of victims, the community, and the courts.
“Some cases are emotional, but as an investigating officer, you must stay strong and do your work so families can get justice. Whenever a case is assigned to me, I tell myself I must ensure the perpetrator is arrested and sentenced so the victims get justice,” he said.
Mthombeni has now been promoted from warrant officer to captain.
Mthombeni was one of the officers who formed part of the Mpumalanga acting provincial commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi’s conferment of ranks ceremony for SAPS members.
Officers were promoted from the rank of warrant officer to colonel on February 5.
