MBOMBELA - The Provincial Commissioner for Police, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, has thanked the community for providing the police with information that enabled a major breakthrough in a murder case. A 35-year-old man, Skhumbuzo Patrick Khoza, who was sought by police in connection with the murder of 25-year-old Laurencia Zinhle Mathebula, was arrested by police in the late hours of Sunday, January 5, at Oshoek Border Post. The suspect briefly appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrates Court yesterday, January 6. Khoza was remanded in custody until his next appearance on January 16 for formal bail application in the same court. 

Khoza’s arrest stems from an incident on December 26 in which Mathebula was killed. On that fateful day the victim was walking with her cousin when Khoza allegedly approached them, requesting to have a  private conversation with Mathebula. Moments after the cousin had left the duo to talk, he heard gunshots. He rushed to Mathebula’s aid and discovered her with multiple gunshot wounds, upon which he alerted the police. Medical personnel certified the victim dead at the scene. The suspect had meanwhile fled the scene in his white bakkie.

Lt Gen Zuma lauded the community and police for their sterling cooperation. "The community is our eyes and ears. We really value the partnership that we have with members of the public, because suspects go into hiding after committing crimes. Information received from the community makes it possible for the police to locate and arrest these suspects.”  

Meanwhile, police are still hunting down the murder suspect(s) in the case of 25-year-old Simphiwe Mtsweni who was killed at Tweefontein. Her body was discovered in an open field near Zmani Primary School. The incident took place on Saturday, December 28. 2019. The community summoned the SAPS who found the victim’s body riddled with stab wounds.

Police further urgently appeal for assistance with information that might lead to the arrest of the suspect(s). Capt Vusimuzi Mahlangu can be reached at 082-318-9894 or the Tweefontein SAPS can be contacted on 082-922-9412. Members of the public can also call 10111 or send an SMS to 32211. Alternatively, the public can download the My SAPS-app to anonymously send valuable information.

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