Hawks make arrest in murder of state witness in Umzimkhulu
The Hawks say forensic evidence linked the suspect to the crime after the recovery of the victim's stolen firearm.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested by the Hawks in connection with the murder of Mzamo Sithembile Dzanibe, a state witness in the murder of Sergeant Ntombi Mbanjwa of Umzimkhulu police station.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane said the arrest was made by members of the Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
Mbanjwa (33) was shot and killed at her home in Umzimkhulu in April 2024.
According to reports, on June 16, 2025, an unknown number of armed men entered Dzanibe’s homestead in Umzimkhulu and held the occupants hostage while demanding to know his whereabouts. They allegedly stated they intended to kill him because “he talks too much”.
Later that evening, Dzanibe returned home and was lured to enter the house after being told the door was unlocked. He was then ambushed and shot multiple times. The suspects also stole his cellphone and 9mm Glock firearm. He was declared dead on arrival at hospital.
The case was referred to the Hawks due to its sensitive nature. Investigators later identified a suspect in possession of Dzanibe’s firearm in Pietermaritzburg in September 2025. Forensic evidence linked him to the murder.
The suspect was arrested in Pietermaritzburg on May 26, and charged with murder and kidnapping. He is expected to appear in the Umzimkhulu Magistrate’s Court soon.
Acting provincial head Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan welcomed the arrest and commended investigators.
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