The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has highly appreciated the exceptional work done by SAPS members from the Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team, in collaboration with Detectives from Nelspruit SAPS and members of the public, which resulted in the arrest of the 33-year-old suspect last night, Thursday 07 September 2023. During his arrest, police also recovered a pistol with ammunition which will form part of the investigation.
On that dreadful morning (Wednesday, 06 September 2023 around 05h20 am), it is alleged that the suspect, driving in a white Isuzu bakkie shot and killed a 36-year-old woman who is believed to have been pregnant at the time. The incident which occurred in Mbombela CBD is suspected to be Domestic Violence related.
After the incident the suspect fled the scene and possibly went into hiding meanwhile the Police as well as the Paramedics were summoned to the scene but unfortunately, the woman was certified dead.
A murder case was opened at Nelspruit SAPS for investigation with the desire to soon arrest the suspect. A team of investigators was then assembled, under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela who vowed that “the Police will hunt down for the suspect and ensure that he is soon brought to book”. Indeed the General did not mince her words as the man was cornered only a day after the incident.
It first began when the bakkie in question was recovered at Mara near Kanyamazane outside Nelspruit on the day of the incident around 12h00 midday. Though the suspect could not be located by then but fortunately he was arrested in the evening of Thursday at Low’s Creek, outside Mbombela subsequent to concerned citizens heeding to a call made by the Police regarding his whereabouts.
The suspect is facing a murder charge and more charges could possibly be added against the suspect as the investigation continues. This includes information that the woman was expecting at the time she was killed. The motive for the killing is still unknown at this stage.
He is due to appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 September 2023 facing the charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela further expressed her satisfaction in the manner in which the team is performing in this case. “Though there were some distractions like the unconfirmed rumours that the suspect committed suicide however the team remained focus and instead, they exerted more effort whilst working together with our communities as we urged them to be on board hence the commendable results,” said the General.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48289.
