Prince Gift Mdluli Arrested: A breakthrough in the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius was achieved when police arrested fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli.
The suspect had been on the run for nearly three months following the brutal execution of the Ermelo police officer. Mdluli was apprehended on Saturday morning at a shop in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga, south africa, marking the end of an intense manhunt.
Ermelo Murder Suspect Finally Captured
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi confirmed that Mdluli had been wanted by law enforcement since January 16, when Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius was fatally shot in what police describe as a targeted execution. Authorities believe Mdluli was part of a group of six suspects linked to the murder.
Mdluli Among Six Suspects in Police Officer’s Killing
According to police investigations, Mdluli is accused alongside Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Nyiko Mujovo (30), and Valencia Skhosana. The suspects allegedly executed the 59-year-old commander of the Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.
The Hawks wasted no time in arresting the other suspects, taking them into custody within 12 hours of the murder. However, Mdluli managed to evade arrest until his capture on March 9.
Tip-Off Leads to Prince Gift Mdluli’s Arrest
Nkosi revealed that law enforcement received a crucial tip-off about Mdluli’s whereabouts around 8 a.m. on Saturday. Officers quickly mobilized and arrested him at a shop in Komatipoort.
Prince Gift Mdluli Found in Disguise
During the arrest, Mdluli was reportedly wearing tattered and dirty clothing, possibly in an attempt to avoid recognition. Authorities suspect he had been living in hiding, trying to avoid detection.
Mdluli to Appear in Court Alongside Co-Accused
Mdluli is set to face the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on April 10 alongside his co-accused. While his co-defendants have abandoned their bail applications, Valencia Skhosana’s bail hearing is set to continue on March 12.
Police Praise Teamwork and Community Support
Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber and SAPS Major-General Zeph Mkhwanazi commended their officers for their relentless efforts in capturing the fugitive.
Gerber expressed gratitude towards the community, stating, “I appreciate the community’s involvement. This is a clear indication that residents are standing behind law enforcement and are themselves tired of criminality.” He further applauded his team’s unwavering dedication in ensuring Mdluli’s capture.
Four Arrested for Fraud in Free State
In a separate case, four individuals appeared in the Hennenman Magistrate’s Court in the Free State on Friday for alleged Covid-19 Temporary Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) fraud.
Covid-19 Fraud Scheme Uncovered
The accused, identified as Nicolette Sybil Godeffroy (48), Semakaleng Maria Tsotetsi (72), Manini Semakale (62), and Alie Ndlovu (73), were arrested on suspicion of defrauding the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) through false Covid-19 claims.
Fraudulent Covid-19 Relief Claims Net R615,000
Provincial Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Fikiswa Matoti stated that the suspects, acting on behalf of two companies, submitted fraudulent claims for Covid-19 relief in 2020. They successfully obtained R615,000 by listing 19 fictitious employees as beneficiaries.
Court Grants Bail to Fraud Suspects
Following their arrest on Friday, all four suspects were released on bail. They are scheduled to return to court on March 31 to face further legal proceedings.
