Key points
- Authorities arrested a Mpumalanga police sergeant for allegedly plotting her husband’s murder.
- Authorities say an armed group that killed two people had ties to her.
- The court postponed the case for a formal bail application.
A police sergeant in Mpumalanga has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating the kidnapping and murder of her husband and his female companion.
Nyiko Nyathi, 42, turned herself in at the Bushbuckridge police station, where she works, according to Brig. Donald Mdhluli, spokesperson for the provincial police. She appeared before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing charges related to the killings.
Investigation reveals shocking details
According to authorities, the incident occurred in February 2024. A group of armed men attacked 44-year-old Lawrence Alba Mashego at his home in Boikhutsong Trust, Bushbuckridge. The assailants allegedly stole his Toyota Quantum and Ford Escort before abducting him. The armed suspects later used the stolen vehicles to reach a home in Zoeknog, where they found 44-year-old Victoria Lebyane, identified as Mashego’s female companion.
Mdhluli said the armed men robbed Lebyane of about 4,000 rand in cash and took Mashego’s bank cards, which were in her possessions.The assailants then killed both Mashego and Lebyane.
Police sergeant linked to the crime
A police investigation led to the arrest of four suspects. One of them pleaded guilty, and the court sentenced him to 77 years in prison. As the probe continued, investigators uncovered evidence implicating Nyathi in the crime, leading to her arrest.
After her court appearance, officials postponed the case until Wednesday for a formal bail application.
Maj. Gen. Zeph Mkhwanazi, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, welcomed Nyathi’s arrest, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
“The SAPS remains resolute in its intolerance of any criminality within our ranks,” Mkhwanazi said.
