| 2025/03/08 |
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Media Statement MPUMALANGA – The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi commended members of Komatipoort Detectives and Visible Policing for speedy reaction after receiving a tip-off about the whereabouts of the fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli. Mdluli has been on the run from 16 January 2025 after the Unit Commander of Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59) was gunned down, execution style in Ermelo. Five suspects linked to the murder, a former police official Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40) Nyiko Mujovo (30) and Valencia Skhosana were arrested in less than 12 hours by the Hawks Secunda based Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Nelspruit. Mdluli was arrested on Saturday, 08 March 2025, in one of the clothing shops in Komatipoort. During his arrest, Mdluli was wearing dirty and worn-out clothes. Police received a tip-off from community members at about 08:00, and they wasted no time and immediately attended to the call. Mdluli will join his five co-accused, who are still in custody. Four of the five accused abandoned their bail application in Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025 and are scheduled to reappear on 10 April 2025. The fifth suspect, Skhosana, proceeded with her bail application but was also remanded in custody after appearing twice on 18 and 27 February 2025. She will proceed with her bail application on 12 March 2025. The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, thanked the community, private security industry, and external stakeholders who responded so positively in the search of the elusive fugitive. Several sightings were reported, and all leads followed up. Members of the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical teams, and other divisions responded to and worked tirelessly to trace the suspect. All these efforts resulted in the suspect being arrested. “I appreciate the community involvement as this is a clear indication that communities are standing behind law enforcement and are themselves tired of criminality,” added the General. He applauded the commitment of his members, who left no stone unturned. “A job well done,” he concluded. Ends
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