Escape plan thwarted as KZN couple charged with murder

A couple, charged with murder, has been remanded in custody following a brief appearance at KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The man and woman, allegedly involved in the murder of Shakas Head resident Doctor William Mputhi (33), were arrested on Monday during an operation by Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).

According to RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram, officers received information that the pair, along with their child (3), were attempting to flee to Richards Bay but were temporarily hiding out in Shakaskraal.

Entry and exit points to the area were monitored before officers gained access to the property.

The woman, holding her baby, was arrested first. She denied involvement in the murder and pleaded to be released.

Her husband was arrested shortly afterwards after he attempted to flee after jumping up from a pile of clothing where he had been hiding.

Balram confirmed that the couple (34) is being held at uMhlali SAPS and is expected to reappear in court on Wednesday next week.

Mputhi was reportedly stabbed and hacked multiple times in the presence of his daughter (6), and was declared dead at the scene.

Following the incident, RUSA received information that the suspects planned to escape to Richards Bay, where the woman has another child who lives with extended family.

Balram added that further information was received, indicating the woman had abandoned three other children in different towns across KZN.

Concerned family members contacted RUSA headquarters about the well-being of these minors.

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