Police have arrested four more suspects in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, for the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, bringing to 10 the total number of accused in the high-profile police killing.
Pretorius, of the Ermelo Vehicle Identification Unit, was shot multiple times while he was driving a state vehicle in the town on January 16.
Their arrests in Ermelo on Friday, March 14, marked significant progress in the high-profile case.
The latest arrests include Vusi Shabalala, 43, Njabulo Zwane, 26, Percy Siyabonga Duba, 30, and Phethenia Samaria Duba, 37.
The four face charges of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala said the arrests follow the recent apprehension of fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli in Komatipoort on Saturday, March 8.
“Mdluli appeared in court on Monday, March 10 and his matter was postponed to April 10 where he will join his other co-accused, Mthobisi Nkosi, 40, Aubrey Xaba, 35, Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, 40, and Nyiko Mujovo, 30, who abandoned their bail application, while Valencia Skhosana, 35, proceeds with her bail application,” said Tshabalala.
Another suspect, Valencia Skhosana, 35, is proceeding with her bail application.
The four newly arrested suspects appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, March 17, with their case postponed to March 20 for legal representation.
Major General Nico Gerber, Provincial Head of the Hawks’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating that authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served.
News
