A suspect (45) was arrested on charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition as well as pointing with firearm. The man was arrested on 26 December 2022 at Mkhuhlu near Bushbuckridge on allegations that he fatally shot Mr Aby Nginindza (40) in the early hours of Monday, 26 December 2022 around 03:30 at a certain Tavern which has a Car Wash in Mkhuhlu.
According to the report, members of the police at Calcutta received information regarding a shooting incident at the said premises.
Upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the head though he was still alive. An ambulance was also summoned to the scene however, one of the family members decided to transport the victim to a nearby hospital in an effort to save his life.
On arrival, the injured man was unfortunately certified dead. A murder case was then opened and upon investigation, police traced and arrested the suspect at Mkhuhlu on the same day of the incident.
During his arrest, he was found in possession of a firearm with ammunition as well as cash suspected to have been stolen. The firearm is alleged to have been used during the fatal shooting.
Police also discovered that the man allegedly committed an armed robbery, where cash was taken from a male victim. It is said that this happened moments after the shooting. The investigators also established through thorough investigation that the man was involved in an alleged pointing with a firearm where the victim is also a male.
The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine possible linkages to other crimes committed elsewhere. More charges could be added against the suspect as the investigation continues.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of murder, possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, pointing of firearm, and armed robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the victim whilst appreciating the excellent work done by the members in arresting the suspects as well as recovering the firearm with ammunition. The General further raised a concern regarding incidences of such nature which take place at liquor outlets.
