| 2024/07/30 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – A suspect by the name of Leonard Manzini (37) appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Tonga today, 30 July 2024 following an incident that took place at Kamhlushwa on Friday night, 26 July 2024. The shocking incident claimed the lives of a Police Constable, Richard Thando Thani (34) as well as another male person who is yet to be identified meanwhile two other males sustained gunshot wounds. According to information, the off-duty Constable was reportedly at a liquor outlet and his mobile phone somehow went missing or got stolen. It is further reported that he demanded for the return of his phone, but when he did not receive a positive response, he allegedly went out and returned armed with a firearm. It was during this period when the male suspect allegedly grabbed and disarmed him, and in the process, a shootout ensued, which resulted in the death of the Constable as well as another male person. The other two male persons who sustained injuries during the incident, were taken for medical treatment. The Police at Kamhlushwa were alerted about the incident and they swiftly responded and went to the scene. Upon arrival, the case was opened, followed by an investigation which led Police to arrest the suspect at the scene. A state firearm, which is believed to have been used during the incident, was also recovered at the scene. The man was charged with two counts of murder as well as two counts of attempted murder, leading to his court appearance today. During the court appearance, the case was postponed to Monday, 05 August 2024 for a formal bail application meanwhile the suspect remained in custody. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the incident and welcomed the arrest of the suspect. “We have sanctioned an investigation into this incident in order to find out as to how it came to a point where the member went to a liquor outlet with a firearm,” said the General. Ends
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