News: Four suspects arrested following the brutal murder of a couple

DURBAN On 19 December 2019, police officers from the Ilembe Task Team; Nsuze SAPS and the Umhlali K9 Unit together with a tracking company were following up reports of a couple who went missing with their vehicle on the night of 18 December 2019 in Bhamshela.

The team proceeded to the area and spotted the vehicle a few kilometres from the couple’s residence. Police gave chase as the occupants sped off, lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The suspects fled into the bushes.

Police then commenced with a search for the victims and they were both found dead at Wolongo Reserve. They were allegedly shot and battered with a hammer. A four-pound hammer was found next to the deceased. A docket for two counts of murder was opened at the Nsuze police station for investigation.

Following a rigorous investigation, on 20 December 2019, police arrested four suspects aged between 25 and 46. The suspects were found in possession of a firearm; cash and the victim’s cellphone. They will be charged for two counts of murder; illegal possession of a firearm and possession of suspected stolen property. They will appear in the Maphumulo Magistrates Court on 23 December 2019.

It is alleged that on 18 December 2019, the wife received a call from a female to collect stokvel money that was owed to her. She then left with her husband but shortly afterwards the family received a call from an unknown person who demanded a ransom for the release of the couple. A case of kidnapping was opened at the Nsuze police station.

I wish to commend the investigation team who worked around the clock to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book. We hope that the family will find comfort knowing that these cold blooded killers will pay the price for their cruelty, said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.

Source: South African Police Service

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