ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
KWAZULU-NATAL: The police in KZN are appealing for help to locate an alleged hitman, Mpiyakhe Thobani Mbatha (25) who is wanted for the murder of Mphilisi Ngubane, who was the chairperson of the Fredville Taxi Association. It's alleged that Mbatha also attacked Ngubane's twin brother. According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the twin brothers, aged 35, were allegedly ambushed by Mbatha and two other suspects on 13 September 2024, while travelling on Shezi Main Road in Mpumalanga township. The men opened fire at the victims, fatally wounding Mphilisi but his twin brother managed to escape the attack. Charges of murder and attempted murder were opened at Mpumalanga police station, and the docket was transferred to Provincial Taxi Violence for further investigation. A warrant of Mbatha's arrest was issued by Mpumalanga Magistrate's Court. Anyone who might know his whereabouts is asked to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Khuyana, on 079 490 8250/ 031 325 6393 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
KWAZULU-NATAL: Over 170 murder suspects, 261 attempted murder suspects, and 250 suspected rapists were among 12 593 suspects who were arrested during various operations by police in KZN in October. According to the police, during the operations, they managed to recover 345 firearms and 2 998 rounds of ammunition of various calibres of firearms. Among the recovered firearms were 23 rifles and 17 homemade illegal guns, with 4 010 suspects arrested for contact crimes including robberies, car and truck jacking and assault. Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said on property-related crimes, over 500 suspects were arrested, while 252 suspects were arrested for burglaries, 99 suspects were arrested for burglaries at business premises, and 51 more suspects were nabbed for stock theft-related cases. Netshiunda added that with the safer festive season operations in full swing, police visibility will be increased.
LIMPOPO: A 39-year-old woman was arrested in Modimolle for allegedly stabbing her boyfriend to death on Saturday. According to the police, the couple, who are both foreign nationals, went to a local tavern and the boyfriend left the suspect at the tavern to go home. It's alleged that when the girlfriend came back home, the couple had a heated argument and the boyfriend was found lying outside the house with stab wounds on his upper body. The man was certified dead on the scene by paramedics. Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incident and reiterated that romantic partners should seek professional counselling when they experience challenges in their relationships. The suspect will appear in court soon.
