Police in Mpumalanga, have made a breakthrough in the 2022 murder of a prominent political figure and PR councillor in the Mkhondo Municipality in the Gert Sibande, Muzi Manyathi.

Members of the provincial organised crime unit managed to locate and charge three suspects, aged between 32 and 36, for murder.

Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the three suspects appeared before the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, and the case was postponed for further investigation.

“They will appear again on 22 September 2025. The three remain in custody. There will be an identity parade that will be conducted and as a result, their identity will be withheld until that process is finalized,” said Mdhluli.

“The three are fingered in the fatal shooting of Manyathi at a certain fuel station in Mkondo (formerly Piet Retief) in the evening of Friday, 4 November 2022, around 6:30pm.”

According to the police report, a Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng number plates, occupied by suspects was seen moving from one fuel pump to another without refilling. At that time, Manyathi reportedly bought something from the kiosk at the filling station.

“It is said one male suspect came out of the said vehicle, armed with a firearm, and shot the victim multiple times at close range. The suspects then fled the scene using the said vehicle,” said Mdhluli.

Police officers and paramedics rushed to the scene but Manyathi was certified dead.

The Mercedes-Benz was later found abandoned next to a dam, and investigations later revealed that the number plates were not authentic. It was also established that the Mercedes-Benz was reported stolen at Brakpan, in Gauteng, in April 2022.

“A murder case was investigated and thus far it led to the three who were in custody for a separate matter,” said Mdhluli.

Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has applauded the investigating team for their exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to serve.

“We made a vow that we will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to book so that justice is served for the victim’s family and we have delivered. We trust that the suspects will be convicted and get a harsher sentence,” said Mkhwanazi.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News  

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