ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
GAUTENG: A Mexican national was arrested yesterday at a property in Rietfontein, Gauteng, where police found a drug lab valued at an estimated R100 million. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said that a multidisciplinary team obtained a search and seizure warrant following extensive surveillance conducted on the premises. The police seized various chemicals and manufacturing equipment used to manufacture drugs and the final product, which was confirmed to be crystal meth or tik. Van Wyk said the team also seized cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime. The 39-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate's Court on charges of dealing in and manufacturing drugs as well as for Contravention of the Immigration Act.
FREE STATE: The woman who went on the run after allegedly killing her husband last year has been arrested. The 38-year-old Halimmah Thamando-Mnyobisi from Botshabelo was arrested at a residential complex in Sandton, Gauteng, where she was found with her boyfriend yesterday. SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Mahlomola Kareli said it was initially stated that the Thamando-Mnyobisi was driving a black Mazda CX-5 with unknown registration numbers, but investigators discovered that she was now travelling in a white BMW vehicle. Thamando-Mnyobisi was wanted for the murder of her husband, Fezile Mnyobisi, who was murdered last September. According to the police, Fezile, a teacher, was taken to a hospital by his wife with multiple stab wounds, and he was declared dead on arrival. It was initially believed that he was stabbed in a robbery but further investigation linked his wife, her brother, and two other suspects to the murder. Vusumuzi Nqele (43) and Moeketsi Innocent Manko (35) were arrested on Friday, 8 November 2024, for murder and conspiracy to murder. Further investigations led to the arrest of Fezile's brother-in-law, Abdool Thamando (35), who was in Johannesburg at the time of his arrest. Thamando-Mnyobisi will appear in the Botshabelo Magistrate's Court today. She will then join the other three who are still in custody and are to appear in court on 3 December 2024 for a formal bail application.
Caption: Detectives Warrant officer Lehlohonolo Tloanyane and Captain Sandile Dladla who arrested the suspect Halimmah Thamando-Mnyobisi in Sandton
EASTERN CAPE: The trial of seven men accused of killing18 family members in Lusikisiki in September is set to be heard in the Lusikisiki Regional Court in February next year. The trial will resume from 17 February to 28 February 2025. Mzukisi Ndamase (46), Siphosoxolo Myekethe (45), Aphiwe "AP" Ndende (25), Lwando Antony Abi (33), Bonga Hintsa (31), Zenande Paya (38) and Mawethu Nomdlembu (36) face 19 counts of murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. According to NPA Regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali, the 19th murder count is in respect to a separate KwaBhaca case that has since been linked to the accused. During the suspect's court appearance yesterday, the prosecution furnished the defence attorneys for the six accused with docket contents and transferred the matter from the district to the regional court. Ndamase, who is believed to be the mastermind who orchestrated the murder while in prison serving time for murder, has elected to conduct his own defence. He will return to court on 12 December 2024 to indicate if he has gone through the docket contents and will be ready with his defence on the set trial date. Tyali confirmed that all accused in this case abandoned bail. The state is ready to proceed with the trial as investigations have been finalised.
