Police in Harrismith have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 67-year-old man in Intabazwe’s Bufferzone area, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been tasked with probing a police shooting linked to the suspect’s arrest.
The victim, identified as Jay Simon Ngconwane, was found dead in a bedroom during the early hours of Monday 2 February. According to police, officers were summoned to the scene at approximately 05:50 after receiving reports that an elderly man had been killed.
Upon arrival, police discovered Ngconwane’s body lying in a pool of blood, with multiple stab wounds to his legs and head. A case of murder was immediately opened for further investigation.
Police investigations led officers to a 31-year-old male suspect, believed to be the deceased’s nephew, who resides in a shack in the same Bufferzone area. The suspect was traced later that day at around 14:00.
According to police spokesperson WO Mmako Mophiring, the suspect allegedly locked himself inside the shack after noticing police presence. Officers were forced to enter the structure, during which the suspect is said to have attacked a police officer with a knife.
“Police responded accordingly, and the suspect was shot in the leg and sustained injuries,” says Mophiring.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and taken for medical treatment under police guard.
A search of the shack resulted in the recovery of several items believed to be linked to criminal activity, including a blood-stained spade suspected to have been used in the murder, a plastic bag containing drugs, and one rifle round of ammunition. The knife allegedly used during the confrontation with police was also seized. All items have been booked as exhibits.
The suspect is facing multiple charges, including murder, common assault, possession of a dangerous weapon, possession of unlicensed ammunition, and possession of drugs.
He is expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday 4 February.
Meanwhile, police have confirmed that the shooting incident has been referred to IPID for independent investigation, as required by law. “The matter has been referred to IPID for further investigation,” Mophiring confirmed.
Investigations into both the murder and the police shooting remain ongoing.
