‘Cop killer’ co-accused to plead guilty – but not to murder charge

Samkelo Mpanza (33) will plead guilty to kidnapping and robbery of a police officer and his friend, but denies involvement in their murder.

Mpanza’s legal representative told the High Court sitting in Mtubatuba last Thursday that his client incorrectly assumed that pleading guilty to kidnapping and robbery amounted to an automatic guilty plea for murder.

Mpanza and a former KwaMbonambi police sergeant, Ntombizodwa Ntinga (44), both stand accused of killing the latter’s husband and a family friend in 2023.

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The pair faces two counts of murder, three counts of kidnapping and one count of robbery with aggravating circumstances.

A third suspect, Mira Khoza – a Mozambican national who allegedly had an extramarital affair with Ntinga – has reportedly been arrested in his home country.

On the day of the incident in August 2023, Nkosinathi Ntinga – a warrant officer at KwaMbonambi SAPS and husband of the the accused – together with Mpendulo Mdluli – a SAPS administrative clerk – and Lindelani Ndimande were attacked at Ntinga’s home.

Nkosinathi and Mdluli were kidnapped, while Ndimande was left behind, restrained.

Mdluli was pushed out of a speeding vehicle, suffering serious injuries to which he succumbed in hospital days later.

Ntinga’s body was found with multiple gunshot wounds near the Msunduzi River.

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