KEY POINTS
- Four more suspects have been arrested in the murder case.
- The arrests bring the total number of accused to 10.
- Suspects face charges of conspiracy, firearm possession, and justice obstruction.
In relation to the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, police in Ermelo, Mpumalanga, have detained four additional suspects, increasing the total to ten. On January 16, Pretorius, who was assigned to the Ermelo Vehicle Identification Unit, was shot several times while operating a state vehicle in the town.
Four suspects arrested in connection with Piet Pretorius’ murder
The arrests, which took place on Friday, March 14, represent a major development in the well-known case. Vusi Shabalala, 43; Njabulo Zwane, 26; Percy Siyabonga Duba, 30; and Phethenia Samaria Duba, 37, are the most recent suspects. They are accused of undermining the ends of justice, possessing illegal firearms and ammunition, and conspiring to commit murder.
Recent arrests follow capture of fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli
According to Iol, the arrests come after the recent capture of fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli in Komatipoort on Saturday, March 8, according to Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, spokeswoman for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). Mdluli’s case was rescheduled for April 10 after he appeared in court on Monday, March 10. Alongside him will be his co-accused, Mthobisi Nkosi, 40; Aubrey Xaba, 35; Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, 40; and Nyiko Mujovo, 30; all of whom withdrew their bail requests. The 35-year-old Valencia Skhosana is still pursuing her bail request.
On Monday, March 17, the four recently detained suspects showed up at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. Due to the need for legal counsel, their case was rescheduled until March 20.
The Hawks’ provincial head, Major General Nico Gerber, expressed delight with the development and said that authorities are still dedicated to seeing that justice is done.
