An investigation by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit resulted in the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the murder of Lonwabo Mbixane (35) in April 2023.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, it is alleged that at approximately 22:40, Mbixane was outside a house on Avenue B in New Brighton with one other person when he was fatally wounded.
She said a case of murder was opened for investigation.
“As the investigation unfolded, police established the motive for the murder was an insurance claim taken out on the deceased. The victim, nor his family were made aware of such a claim before his death,” Naidu said.
Azola Bhuqa (41), the alleged mastermind, and Siphosethu Kaya (22) were arrested on Saturday, July 22, and charged for murder, according to Naidu.
“The suspects appeared in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, July 24, and were remanded in custody until 31 July.
“Investigators are busy probing possible links to other hit murders by the suspects in the Nelson Mandela Bay area,” added Naidu.
Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, welcomed the arrests and stated that solving hit murders is complex and challenging.
