THE motive behind the brutal murder of an off-duty policeman remains a mystery, following the discovery of his body in dense bush in Equeefa last week.
Warrant Officer Thulani Mkhize’s abandoned vehicle had been spotted on the R612 Ixopo Main Road, on the wrong side of the road, facing on-coming traffic.
“His body, with multiple stab wounds to his head, neck and face, was found in the bushes close to the vehicle,” said provincial SAPS spokesman Colonel Thembeka Mbhele.
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Warrant Officer Mkhize, who stayed at Sawoti SAPS, had been off duty at the time of his murder and it is suspected that the motive was robbery.
A hunt for his killers commenced immediately and police soon detained two suspects aged 27 and 28. A knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was also recovered by police.
A third suspect was also arrested later that afternoon in Highflats.
Swift action by members of the Sawoti SAPS, Umzinto SAPS Detectives, Umzinto Task Team and Umzinto K9 Unit resulted in the recovery of Warrant Officer Mkhize’s cellphone and torch.
Police had also seized the bloodied clothing which the alleged murderers had been wearing. The suspects will remain in custody until their first appearance in the Umzinto Magistrate’s Court where they will face charges of murder and robbery.
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“It is always sad to receive news of the death of an SAPS member but it is devastating when a member is so mercilessly robbed and killed,” said Major General Bheki Langa, KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Warrant Officer Mkhize’s family, relatives, friends and colleagues. I am pleased with the swift action by our members who arrested the suspects, recovered the alleged stolen property and seized items of evidential value. We pray that the Lord comforts the bereaved family and grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this immense loss. May Warrant Officer Mkhize’s soul rest in eternal peace.”
The case is being investigated by the Umzinto SAPS Detectives Unit.
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