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Cradock murder: Woman who shot herself dead was a police sergeant
Mdumiseni Mduduzi Mkhize appeared before the Cradock Magistrate’s Court for the alleged murder of prosecutor Sivenathi Ralarala. The NPA said the passenger is Mkhize’s car who allegedly shot herself was a police officer.
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Mdumiseni Mduduzi Mkhize appeared before the Cradock Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday where he was formally charged with the murder of 36-year-old District Court Prosecutor, Sivenathi Ralarala, who was killed on Saturday, 25 September. Mkhize was arrested the day after the murder and the police initially said that the passenger of his vehicle shot herself in the head while being questioned by officers. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) revealed that the passenger was a police sergeant. She died of her injuries.
NPA SAY WOMAN WHO SHOT HERSELF WAS A POLICE OFFICER
NPA spokesperson Anelisa Ngcakani said the deceased, Ralarala, was stationed in Lusikisiki. It is alleged that on the night of his murder he was at his family home in Cradock when the murder-accused showed up and requested to speak with him.
Ralarala and Mkhize went outside to have said conversation and the family heard gunshots and found the deceased lying on the ground where he succumbed to his injuries.
“The police swiftly commenced with their investigation and gathered that Mkhize and another suspect allegedly used a silver Hyundai as a getaway vehicle. Police located the vehicle the following morning driving along R61 from Mthatha,” said Ngcakani.
The vehicle was stopped near Tabase and searched. The NPA said that as Mkhize and the other occupant – a woman police sergeant – stood outside the vehicle, the police heard a gun go off and found the sergeant with a gunshot wound to the head.
“…it is alleged that she shot herself. She was rushed to hospital. She has since passed away,” said Ngcakani. A 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine with nine bullets and one cartridge was found in the vehicle.
Mkhize was charged with Ralarala’s murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. His next court appearance is expected on 8 October, when he is expected to make a formal bail application.
The NPA intends to oppose bail because of the severity of the offence.
