KEY POINTS
- The search for the Mpumalanga officer’s murder suspect has expanded.
- Police believe Prince Gift Mdluli is hiding in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Five suspects, including a former officer, have been arrested.
Authorities believe a suspect in the killing of a Mpumalanga police officer may be hiding in KwaZulu-Natal.
Hawks widen search for Mpumalanga officer’s murder suspect
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or Hawks, confirmed that the search for Prince Gift Mdluli has expanded.
“An arrest warrant has been issued against Mdluli. According to reports, he was last seen in Bergville, Howick, and Umzimkhulu, KwaZulu-Natal,” said Hawks spokesperson Lt. Col. Magonseni Nkosi.
According to Iol, Mdluli is linked to the death of Lt. Col. Piet Pretorius, who was shot on January 16. The 59-year-old was the commander of Ermelo’s Vehicle Identification Unit.
Five suspects arrested, including a former police officer
Police have arrested five suspects in connection with Pretorius’ death, including a former police officer.
Nkosi said: Mthobisi Nkosi, Aubrey Xaba, Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, Nyiko Mujovo, and Valencia Skhosana appeared in Ermelo Magistrate’s Court this week, where they dropped their bail applications.
“Nkosi, Xaba, Skhakhane, and Mujovo were remanded in custody, with their next court date set for April 10,” according to Nkosi.
“Skhosana continued with her bail application. She was also remanded in detention, with her bail hearing planned for February 27.”
