KOMANI – In a significant breakthrough, an additional suspect has been arrested in the murder of Xoliseka Lali, the Chief Whip of the Emalahleni Local Municipality.
Lali was shot and killed at his residence in Komani by unknown suspects on 22 July.
Following an intensive investigation by the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit and Tracing Unit, three suspects were arrested in the Mthatha area during the early hours of 28 July.
The case against these individuals – Bavuyise Mdingi, Mvuzo Mafanya, and Sonwabiso Siko – was successfully enrolled at the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 30 July, and remanded to 6 August for legal representation.
While one suspect remained outstanding, police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said that immediately after the court proceedings on 30 July, the team traced and arrested the fourth suspect in Mthatha town that same night.
Furthermore, she said that the suspect cooperated with investigators, leading them to a friend’s house where three unlicensed pistols and ammunition were recovered.
Gantana said that the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing as part of standard procedure to establish possible linkages to other crimes.
“A separate case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been opened. Both the fourth suspect and his friend face these charges and will appear at the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on 31 July,” said Gantana.
She said that the fourth suspect will additionally be charged with Lali’s murder and appear at the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 1 August.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the exceptional investigative efforts that led to these crucial arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms.
The investigation continues.
MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha has praised SAPS for the swift arrest of four suspects allegedly involved in the brutal murder of Lali.
“We strongly condemn the brutal murder of Councillor Lali and firmly believe that the arrest of these suspects will lead to a successful prosecution so that the grieving family can find closure and justice,” said Nqatha.
“The arrest of these suspects serves as a reminder to criminals that if they commit a crime, they will be arrested. Furthermore, if they attack the police, they will face consequences.”
READ MORE | Xoliseka Lali murder suspects appear in court
