Alleged serial rapist on trial for murder of KwaDukuza police officer
The 26-year-old man from KwaMashu Hostel, charged with the murder of KwaDukuza senior superintendent Mariemuthoo Arumugam, is also charged with six counts of rape dating back to 2022.
Philakahle Hloniphani Dladla was arrested last year after the police charged him with the murder of Arumugam, who was gunned down on November 4, 2024.
Currently, the alleged serial rapist is on trial for the murder of a police officer at the Durban High Court.
Earlier this month, Dladla appeared at the Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Court on charges of rape and murder.
He is alleged to have raped young girls from the Shembe Church, threatening them with a gun and robbing them during these incidents.
On Wednesday morning, police officer Sergeant Patrick Nxumalo, who arrested Dladla, told the Durban High Court that the firearm used to kill Arumugam was found in Dladla’s shack between the mattress and a blanket.
Sergeant Nxumalo testified that 32 rounds of ammunition were discovered next to the firearm. He detailed the arrest of Dladla, emphasising that Dladla’s rights were read and understood.
Throughout Nxumalo’s testimony, Dladla frequently raised his hand, prompting his Legal Aid lawyer, Advocate Musa Chiliza, to take instructions.
On November 4, Dladla, armed, boarded a taxi at the KwaDukuza taxi rank, taking the front passenger seat.
Prosecutors stated in court that he then ordered the driver, Bheki Sifiso Xulu, to take the Groutville off-ramp. After which, Dladla produced a firearm, robbed Xulu of R1,100, and instructed him to stop the taxi.
“He proceeded to rob passengers at gunpoint. Nontokozo Shangase (a passenger) handed over R70 and a Samsung Galaxy AO5,” read the indictment.
Additionally, Arumugam, who was dressed in a full police uniform, driving a white Toyota Fortuner, arrived on the scene to investigate the stationary taxi.
“The accused turned his firearm on Arumugam and shot him multiple times. The driver managed to escape from the scene to seek assistance,” the State alleges.
During that time, Dladla is alleged to have driven off with the passengers and later abandoned the taxi at Thembeni area in KwaDukuza and fled on foot.
The trial continues.
nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za