police

Zanele Mkhonto, 28, is suspected of murdering her apparent boyfriend who is a police officer. PHOTO: Hawks

‘Girlfriend’ of KILLED police officer to face court as Hawks take over

Zanele Mkhonto, is remanded in custody for allegedly killing the police officer who is believed to have been her boyfriend.

police

Zanele Mkhonto, 28, is suspected of murdering her apparent boyfriend who is a police officer. PHOTO: Hawks

The Hawks have taken over the murder case of a police officer who was brutally murdered allegedly by his girlfriend.

GIRLFRIEND REMAINS IN CUSTODY FOR ALLEGED BRUTAL MURDER

Zanele Mkhonto, 28, appeared before the KaNyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The woman is remanded in custody as the case is to be transferred to the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court.

This will be for legal aid representation and a formal bail application, said Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi.

Mkhonto is allegedly behind the shooting and murder of Sergeant Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala, 45.

“The [Hawks] provincial head… Major General Zodwa Mokoena confirmed that the case of the late officer… is with the Hawks Mpumalanga,” she said.

ALSO READ: Woman, 66 and three brothers linked to MURDER of traffic officer

POLICE OFFICER FOUND DEAD IN HIS BED

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The police officer, Sergeant Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala, was found dead with five gunshot wounds. PHOTO: SAPS

On the morning of Wednesday, 3 August, a neighbour found Thwala dead in his house Gedlembane, Pienaar in Mpumalanga.

Police in Pienaar were called to the scene where the neighbour alleged that she received a call from the Thwala’s mother, requesting the neighbour to check on her son. The mother said she suspects her son might have been murdered, said police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.

“Upon the police’s arrival, they found him motionless, laying in his bed with visible gunshot wounds on his body.”

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala

Thwala was shot five times apparently by his own service pistol. He was found with two gunshot wounds to the head and three to the upper body.

“The medical services were summoned to the scene but unfortunately, he was certified dead,” said Mohlala.”

MURDER INCLUDED ROBBERY OF WEAPON AND CAR

Two cartridges were found on the floor and his green VW Polo Classic, his service pistol and cellphone were also missing. They were all found abandoned in the bushes.

A murder case with an additional charge of robbery is being investigated.

Mkhonto, who is believed to be the late police officer’s girlfriend, was found within 24 hours, hiding at another man’s house.

ALSO READ: Police officer BRUTALLY gunned down in bed with his own firearm

The Hawks head Mokoena appealed to the community to work with the police in sharing information that might assist during the investigation. Anyone with information should contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Albert De Lange on 071 481 2815. All information will be treated with confidentiality.