Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the murder of a taxi owner and his bodyguard at a traditional wedding in Nquthu.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested a second suspect in connection with the murder of a taxi owner and his bodyguard during a traditional wedding ceremony in Nquthu in September.
The 34-year-old suspect was arrested at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng while appearing in an unrelated robbery and kidnapping case.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said investigations by the Provincial Taxi Violence Unit had led detectives to the suspect.
“The investigation led detectives to the Germiston Magistrate’s Court, where the suspect was arrested while appearing in an unrelated case. Police also recovered a round of ammunition in his room,” said Netshiunda.
The incident occurred on September 27, when taxi owner Sandile Makhoba and his bodyguard, Nathi Mdlalose, were attending a traditional wedding at Hlathi Dam in Nquthu.
According to police, the two men were allegedly ambushed by two armed suspects who opened fire on them. Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene. Three other men were also wounded in the shooting.
Police said the suspects allegedly disarmed the bodyguard before fleeing in a Hyundai Venue parked along the road.
During their escape, the vehicle collided with two other vehicles on Hlathi Bridge, but the suspects continued driving without stopping.
Police gave chase after being alerted to the incident. The suspects eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
One suspect, identified as Siyabonga Noshwama, who allegedly drove the getaway vehicle, was arrested in nearby bushes. He has since appeared in the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court and is expected to return on November 13.
The second suspect was also charged with illegal possession of ammunition after police allegedly found a round of ammunition in his room.
Netshiunda said the 34-year-old, who was allegedly out on bail when the double murder took place, would appear in the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, November 12, facing two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.
Police said a manhunt was continuing for the remaining suspects.