Thandeka Mdeliswa. Photo credit: Facebook
Three arrested for murder of actress Thandeka Mdeliswa
Police believe they have the alleged trigger-man in custody, as well as two accomplices. All are due in court on Monday.
Thandeka Mdeliswa. Photo credit: Facebook
Police say they have made a breakthrough in their investigation into the murder of well-known actress Thandeka Mdeliswa 10 days ago.
Three men – one believed to have fired the fatal shot and two accomplices – have been arrested and are due to appear in the Evander Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Monday.
Mdeliswa, who played the character Khanya Hlophe in the SABC1 drama series iKani and also featured in a number of other TV acting roles, was shot in Evander on 3 September and rushed to hospital. She died a few days later at the age of 34.
Shot when she investigated a squabble
“Police on Friday arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the murder and other two suspects aged 24 as well as 29, for unlawful possession of the firearm believed to have been used in the murder,” said SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi.
According to information given to the investigating team, Mdeliswa heard a squabble between her brother and two men going on outside.
She went to investigate and, on approaching the scene of the argument, one of the men snatched a firearm from his friend and shot her. Both then fled.
Family believes justice will be served
The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, welcomed the work done by Evander detectives, as well as members of Ekurhuleni Metro Police’s Northern Region Task Team, who assisted each other in arresting the suspects.
“The brutality which was affected on our daughter has left us deeply hurt. This is another incident of gender-based violence (GBV) which our country has to fight against. We believe justice will be served,” Mdeliswa’s family said in a statement at the time of her death.
“She was a young, talented and inspirational actress and her family and community were looking to see her flourish. We had a lot of expectations for her.”
