GQEBERHA – An alleged police murderer and armed robbery suspect, Sinoxolo Ndanga (37), was re-arrested by the Gqeberha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) and National Priority Violent Crime (NPVC) Section on Thursday, 5 February 2026 for police murder and armed robbery.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, Ndanga appeared before the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday, 6 February, and is remanded in custody.
Explaining the events, Mhlakuvana said that on Saturday, 21 September 2024, at approximately 23:12, an off-duty Constable Lwando Msezeni (26) was walking in the company of his girlfriend on Somfula Street, Zwide in Gqeberha, after leaving a tavern.
“The couple were reportedly followed by two unknown suspects. Upon reaching a secluded section of Somfula Street, the suspects confronted the couple.”
He added that both suspects were wearing balaclavas, indicating a preconceived intent to commit a violent crime. “During the confrontation, the officer was fatally stabbed in the neck, and his mobile telephone was forcibly taken and the suspects immediately fled on foot.”
The victim allegedly died at the scene, leaving the deceased’s girlfriend severely traumatised by the incident. Msezeni was stationed at KwaZakhele South African Police Service at the time.
Mhlakuvana added that the suspects were traced which culminated in the arrest of Akhona Zamxaka (29) at Koyana Road, Zwide, in October 2024, who is remanded in custody.
“The investigating team further traced Ndanga, who was found at Adelaide Magistrates’ Court attending another matter in November 2024. A few months later, Ndanga, while attending court in an unrelated matter, absconded from Zwide, Gqeberha, and deliberately sought refuge in the town of Adelaide, presumably to evade justice.
“A warrant of arrest had been duly issued after the accused was erroneously released from lawful custody.”
Mhlakuvana said that through meticulous intelligence-driven investigations and the systematic tracing of associates previously linked to the accused, Hawks investigators identified Ndanga’s homestead in Adelaide. “The operation culminated in the successful re-arrest of Ndanga, thereby restoring the integrity of the judicial process.”
Ndanga appeared before the New Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 6 February 2026, and the matter was remanded to 9 February 2026 for legal representation.
