The five men accused of robbing and murdering Crime Intelligence officers Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo in Mount Edgecombe. Image credit Daseb Thathiah
Five men face charges over the Crime Intelligence officers murder in Mount Edgecombe, north of Durban. The State accuses them of robbing Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of R900 000 in SAPS Crime Intelligence secret service funds and killing both officers.
In April, the two officers picked up the cash and drove off in a car without police markings. On 30 April, attackers ambushed them in Mount Edgecombe. Nel died at the scene, while Khuzwayo died in hospital almost a month later. The attackers also allegedly took a pistol.
Who the Crime Intelligence officers murder accused are
The five accused appeared in the Verulam Magistrates Court on Monday. They are Simangaliso Tembe, 39, from Amanzimtoti, and Mduduzi Ntuthuko Myeza, 46, from Pinetown. Also in the dock are Bongani Trulove Zulu, 61, from Cowies Hill, and Wandile Ntuthuko Nyawo, 38, from Newlands West. The fifth accused is Sibusiso Sibisi, 46, from Mandeni.
They face charges of conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder. In addition, they face charges of unlawful possession of automatic firearms and ammunition. According to the State, all five share responsibility for the crimes because they allegedly worked together towards the same goal.
Court papers point to the money as the reason for the attack. Furthermore, the charge sheet states that the men plotted among themselves and with others from February to April to take the cash from the officers. In other words, the State argues that the ambush was no random crime but a planned operation.
Meanwhile, police tracked down a sixth suspect at a house in Emaplasini, Inanda, last week. According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the man opened fire from inside the house. After a standoff of about three hours, he released his girlfriend, who was inside with him. Police then shot and killed him. In addition, a member of the Special Task Force suffered a gunshot wound to the hand.
Heavy security surrounded the court during Monday’s appearance, and relatives of the officers packed the courtroom. The State said it is ready to proceed with bail but will oppose it.
For now, the five accused remain in custody, and the Crime Intelligence officers murder case returns to court on 16 October for their bail application.
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