Breakthrough in the murder of an ANC Councillor in Mkhondo

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of an ANC Councillor, Sbonelo Ntshangase, and two other people in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga. 

Ntshangase was shot dead on Friday, 13 January. A video of the late Councillor where he names those behind the murder of politicians in Mpumalanga and those who will kill him has been widely circulated on social media platforms. 

SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF ANC COUNCILLOR 

As previously reported, the victims were shot by armed suspects in Mkhondo, also known as Piet Retief. It is further alleged that the suspects fired multiple shots at Sbonelo Ntshangase, who was in the yard and also shot 40-year-old Sizwe Mbingo inside a bakkie, who sadly died at the scene, while 51-year-old Sandile Khumalo was shot in the yard as well. After that, the suspects fled in an unknown direction.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said a case with three counts of murder was opened, and a dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe the incident.

Mohlala said the team worked until they made a breakthrough after receiving information on the whereabouts of the two male suspects, aged 43 and 52, who were arrested on Monday, 16 January 2023. 

“During the arrest, an automatic rifle with ammunition was confiscated. The two suspects were both charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police also seized other guns and ammunition alleged to be owned by a particular security company; however, that matter is still under investigation to determine the lawful owners.

“Police will go as far as testing all seized firearms to determine whether they were not used previously in the commission of the crime. The police investigation is still underway, and the two could face other charges, including the said fatal shooting of the three victims, but for now, the duo is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 January 2023, on the said charges of being found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.”

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

MPUMALANGA POLICE COMMISSIONER CALLS FOR CALM

Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has urged members of the public, including families as well as colleagues of the slain victims to remain calm and allow police a space to investigate to bring all perpetrators thereof to book whilst allowing due processes of the law to take its course. 

“We still need support from members of the public regarding further details which may assist in the investigation to come forth. We promise to treat such information with much delicacy,” she said. 

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