Three remain in custody, while two have been released due to a lack of evidence linking them to the crime.
eMalahleni – In a tragic incident that has deeply unsettled Mpumalanga province, five male suspects believed to be from Mozambique were apprehended following the hijacking and brutal murder of David Mhletshwa Masombuka (64). The victim, who held the position of divisional manager in charge of communications, marketing, and branding at the municipality, was found deceased after being reported missing on Sunday, September 29.
The suspects, identified as Guillie Ngulela (19), Paulus Nyambiri (36), and Orlando Napasa (31), appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday,October 1, 2024, facing multiple charges including murder, hijacking, and possession of suspected stolen property. They were arrested on the same day as the crime and remain in custody as the case is postponed to October 11, 2024 for further investigation. The other two suspects, who were arrested on September 30, 2024, appeared in court on Wednesday, October 2, but were released due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crimes. The victim was last seen on Sunday, September 29, 2024, driving from KwaMhlanga, presumably to attend an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting in eMalahleni.
When he failed to arrive at his destination, concerned family members attempted to contact him without success. They reported him missing at KwaMhlanga Police Station and alerted the Witbank South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as the tracking company responsible for monitoring his vehicle. Following a concerted effort by the tracking company and SAPS, the victim’s vehicle was traced to a fuel station in Witbank.
Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered personal belongings believed to belong to the victim in the possession of the suspects. The investigation soon led to the grim discovery of the victim’s body in nearby bushes, deepening the severity of the case.
Mpumalanga’s acting provincial commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the crime and commended the swift collaboration between SAPS and the tracking company. “The collaboration between the tracking company and SAPS members was instrumental in bringing the suspects to justice.
We await the legal process to unfold and seek justice for the slain victim,” said Mkhwanazi.
He added that police are working with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of the suspects. “Should they be found to be in South Africa illegally, further charges for violating the Immigration Act may be added. The investigation remains ongoing,” said the Major General.
The brutal slaying of a prominent municipal official has sent shockwaves through the community, which is now eagerly awaiting justice.
