The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded SAPS members for the arrest of a suspect (32) who allegedly shot and killed a Police Captain, Sibusiso Bethwell Mthombothi (33) as well as robbed him of his service firearm at Kanyamazane on 13 January 2024. The male suspect was arrested at Kabokweni in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 20 March 2024 and thanks to the men and women in Blue from Mpumalanga Provincial Tracking team, Crime Intelligence (CI), and Tactical Response Team (TRT).
According to a report, after the fatal shooting incident, the suspect fled the scene and went into hiding. The Police were on his heels ever since and closed all spaces for him. Finally, their efforts in tracing him were indeed proven to have not been a waste of time as it yielded positive results.
According to a report, Police received information from members of the public regarding his whereabouts.
The Intelligence driven operation was conducted and the information was followed by the team, which led to the suspect being cornered whilst hiding inside a certain house in Sifunindlela at Kabokweni outside Nelspruit.
He is expected to appear at Pienaar Periodical Court on Friday, 22 March 2024 currently facing a murder charge, however more charges could be added against the suspect as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, further used this opportunity to urge members of the public to continue in working together with the Police by providing valuable information like in this instance. “We are indeed encouraged by the partnership that we have with members of the community. Let us proceed with our relationship, which is of great importance as in most often, it produces desired results in terms of fighting the scourge of crime, ” said the General.