| 2024/05/11 |
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Media Statement MPUMALANGA- Fugitive, Blessing Fakude (41), who was sought by the Nelspruit-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and published on different media platforms on 25 April 2024, for murder of Police Officer, handed himself over to the investigating team. Fakude is alleged to be involved in the murder of an off-duty police officer, the late Captain Sibusiso Mthombothi (44), who lost his life during a shootout at Kanyamazane car wash on Saturday, 13 January 2024 After Fakude handed himself the team conducted further investigation to pursue the firearm which lead to the arrest of two other suspects, Given Sishi (38) and Bakhona Dlamini (31), whom the firearm was handed to them. The duo is facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They appeared before the Kanyamazane Magistrate Court on Friday, 10 May 2024 and they were remanded in custody. Their case was postponed to 15 May 2024 for formal bail application, while Blessing appeared at Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm. He was remanded in custody and his case was postponed to Monday, 13 May for bail application. The co-accused Jacky Sibusiso Ntiwane (Maseko) (35), who was reported to have been sought for the murder of Capt Mthombothi by the Nelspruit based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation and also published on different media platforms on the 24th January 2024. DPCI with the assistance of Crime Intelligence, was arrested on Wednesday, 20 March 2024 in Kanyamazane. The team comprising of Nelspruit Crime Intelligence, Provincial Tracking team and Tactical Respond Team, risked their lives by approaching the house of the accused who was known to be armed on the early hours of Wednesday, at about 02:00. The accused was cornered and arrested. He appeared before the Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Friday, 22 March 2024, facing charges of murder. The case was postponed to Thursday, 4 April 2024 for bail application. During the appearance, he abandoned the bail for his own safety. The case was further postponed to 24 July 2024 for further investigation. Accused remain in custody. The Acting- Provincial Head of the Hawks Brigadier William Mokonyama appreciated the media and the community for their constant support by proving information about the wanted suspects. He further expressed his appreciation to the investigative team for pursuing the firearm. Ends Click here for initial statement
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