Four suspects who were arrested after the murder of a police officer in Lwandle last month appeared in Strand Magistrates’ Court for their formal bail application yesterday (Tuesday 10 January).
Constable Surprise Kwezi Mnqabe (33), a police officer at Lingelethu West Police Station, lost his life on Christmas Day (Sunday 25 December). Mnqabe succumbed to stab and gunshot wounds sustained in the incident, which reportedly occurred between 06:30 and 06:45.
The accused Nelson Motumi (27), Bongisizwe Dyongo (26), Athenkosi Matutu (21) and Unathi Mpaliso (25) were arrested shortly after the officer was killed in Phaliso Street, Asanda Village. The firearm suspected to have been used in the murder was also recovered by police after it was found at the residence of one of the suspects.
Three of the four suspects made their first appearance at Strand Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28 December, while Mpaliso only appeared in court on Friday 30 December.
According to an anonymous source who works for the police, Mnqabe was shot 50 meters from his police vehicle.
At the time of going to print yesterday, the outcome of the suspects’ bail application was not unknown.
Zinzi Hani, spokesperson for the Hawks said they remain the motive behind the murder of Constable Mnqabe in Lwandle is still unknown.
