Just in! MEC in Mpumalanga arrested for shooting in which two people were killed

Police said a member of the Executive Council (MEC) in Mpumalanga was arrested on Monday morning after he handed himself over to police in Nelspruit in connection with at least two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

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Police spokesperson Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo said the 45-year-old MEC is allegedly involved in a shooting where two people were fatally shot, and a third person wounded on Sunday, 22 August 2021, Nelspruit.

According to the information at police disposal, on the said day at around 21h00, three men travelling in a VW Polo were ambushed by armed suspects who were driving in a blue double-cab bakkie.

It is said that shots were fired by the suspects, fatally wounding two men. The third man sustained some injuries. The suspects reportedly fled the scene after the incident.

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The police at Nelspruit, as well as the paramedics, were informed about the incident, where, upon arrival, the two men were certified dead at the scene.

The injured man was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

“The arrest of the MEC brings to three the total number of people arrested in connection with this case.”

Naidoo said police arrested Joseph Charlie Ngwenya (35) and Tshepo Matsane (30) on 17 September 2021.

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“They both appeared in court at least twice before being granted bail of R20 000 each on Friday, 8 October 2021.

He furthermore said the MEC is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court soon on the murder and attempted murder charges.

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