JUST IN: Three arrests made in KZN anti-crime activist murder and smuggling case

In a major breakthrough,three suspects connected to a syndicate smuggling stolen vehicles into Mozambique were captured. Importantly, two face charges for Sipho “Juda” Mthethwa’s murder – a well-known anti-crime advocate.

According to SAPS, significant progress has been made in cracking down on cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, with the arrest of three suspects this week.

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The task force, deployed by General Fannie Masemola, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), is successfully tackling this criminal network.

Mthethwa, a staunch advocate against cross-border crime, was tragically shot outside his residence in February.

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THREE ARRESTS MADE IN EMPANGENI

Thokozani Dlamini (36), Sipho Mhlanga (36), and Xolani Mkhwanazi (28) were apprehended in Empangeni through a well-coordinated operation. They carried two unlicensed pistols and ammunition sent for ballistics analysis.

Presently, the three suspects have attended Northern KwaZulu-Natal courts, confronting charges including murder, kidnapping, car hijacking, illegal firearm possession, ammunition possession, and house robbery. The trio is suspected in 52 Northern KZN car hijackings.

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General Masemola affirmed, “We are committed to creating safer communities, responding effectively through operations like Operation Shanela. Since May 8, 2023, we’ve apprehended 99,754 suspects.”

The task force remains optimistic, anticipating further arrests and the recovery of additional vehicles in the Umkhanyakude area.

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OPERATION SHANELA-47 848 ARRESTS MADE SINCE LAUNCH

SAPS National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Fannie Masemola reports that Operation Shanela achieved over 20 000 arrests since the recent Klipgat update, totaling 47,848.

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Launched on 8 May, Operation Shanela has seen remarkable nationwide progress. Collaborators include SANDF, Traffic Police, Metro Police, Home Affairs, SARS, CPF patrols, and private security.

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