EMALAHLENI - Two murder suspects, Kholofelo Makhudu (19) and Gift Mbola (22), made their second appearance in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court today on charges of murdering 51-year-old Mr Peet Swanepoel. They first appeared on Friday, September 6 and were remanded in custody.

Makhudu, Mbola and an accomplice, Negus Simelane, allegedly stormed the deceased’s house, fatally shooting him before proceeding into the house where they demanded money from his wife. They also threatened to put her grandson in the oven if their demand was not met. Ms Swanepoel was assaulted upon informing them that there was no money in the house. They then looted seven firearms and two television sets before fleeing the scene in her vehicle. The latter was later found abandoned at the Kusile off-ramp on the N4.

It is reported that Simelane was handed over to police by his family on Wednesday, September 3. An investigation was launched which subsequently led to the recovery of eight firearms, ammunition as well as a homemade gun. Simelane appeared on Thursday, September 4 on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance on September 13, while Makhudu and Mbola will reappear in the same court on September 16.

A preliminary investigation suggests that Mbola could possibly be linked to other cases in which the stolen firearms had been used. The police have requested Tshepo Makunyane - whom they believe can assist with the investigation into this matter - to come forward. Anyone with information on his whereabouts are urged to contact Col Godfrey Mahlo on 082 375 3342.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlati