MATATIELE – The pair who murdered the 25-year-old man in Maclear in 2019 thought they have escaped the long arm of the law. But thorough and responsive investigation of the case yielded positive results when they were arrested in Engcobo, and Ixopo in KwaZulu-Natal.
The arrest followed after the murder of a 25-year-old male on 17 August 2019 at New Rest locality, Maclear. It is alleged that the two suspects and the victim were renting rooms in the same house, and while enjoying themselves, a quarrel started between them and the two suspects fatally stabbed the deceased.
The two suspects, allegedly from Lesotho, fled the country and could not be traced. After a long attempt to extradite them from their country of origin, on 14 November 2020, information was received by K9 Elliot members that the suspects had returned back to South Africa and one was hiding in Engcobo.
The members acted swiftly and one suspect, 24, was arrested at Engcobo. Further investigation led the Investigating Officer, Detective Sergeant Siyabonga Mayile, attached to Maclear Detectives, to Ixopo, KwaZulu-Natal where the second suspect, 25, was traced and arrested.
The pair, Tshetshane Nkoata, 24 and Somandla Ndaba, 25, were both charged with murder and appeared at the Maclear Magistrate Court on 17 November 2020. The case has been remanded to 26 November 2020 for formal bail application.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, commended the police who were involved in the investigation. “The tireless efforts by the SAPS members to ensure that the suspects were arrested are commendable. Suspects can run but the arm of the law will always catch up with them, no matter how long it takes”, she said.
In another unrelated incident,
Willowvale Detective are requesting community assistance for information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect/s involved in the murder of a 73-year old woman who was found murdered at her home at Jingqi Locality, Chafutweni Village, Willowvale.
It is alleged that she was staying alone and was last seen by children outside her house on 18 November 2020 at about 11:00.
This morning, her lifeless body was seen by children playing closer to her house and they informed their elders. The matter was immediately reported to Willowvale Police.
No suspect has been arrested as yet and the motive for the murder is unknown and forms part of the investigation.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect/s is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Siviwe Sidziya on 079 7071 429, Willowvale Police Station 047 499 6234 or SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or any nearest police station. Information can also be shared on My SAPS App. All received information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
