KaNyamazane – Fugitive Blessing Fakude, wanted in connection with the fatal shooting of police Captain Sibusiso Mthombothi, has appeared in court after he handed himself over to the police.
The 41-year-old second accused in the murder of the police captain appeared in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court, in Mpumalanga, on Friday, (10 May 2024).
The first accused 32-year-old Jacky Sibusiso Ntiwane (also known as Maseko) had appeared in the same court a day earlier.
Ntiwane and Fakude face various charges including murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and attempted murder.
Allegations are that on Saturday, (13 January 2024), 44-year-old Captain Mthombothi was fatally shot after an altercation with the accused turned violent.
The altercation at a carwash was allegedly the culmination of an earlier incident in which the accused bumped the police captain’s car.
After the fatal shooting, the accused disappeared.
However, police traced and arrested Ntiwane – believed to be the triggerman – at his hideout nearly two months later.
Police then put out an alert that Ntiwane’s accomplice Fakude was wanted.
Fakude, who allegedly participated in the murder of Captain Mthombothi, eventually handed himself over to the police earlier this week.
During investigations to trace the firearm that was allegedly used in the murder of Captain Mthombothi, the names of two other suspects emerged.
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Sekgotodi said: “After Blessing Fakude handed himself to the police, the team conducted further investigations to pursue the firearm”.
Captain Sekgotodi said the investigations led to the arrest of 38-year-old Given Sishi and 31-year-old Bakhona Dlamini, allegedly found in possession of an unlawful firearm.
Sishi and Dlamini also appeared in the KaNyamazane Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
All the accused Ntiwane, Fakude, Sishi, and Dlamini remain in custody.
The case of unlawful possession of firearms against Sishi and Dlamini was postponed to Wednesday, (15 May 2024).
Fakude will again appear in court on Monday (13 May 2024).
Ntiwane returns to court on 24 July 2024.
Meanwhile, Captain Sekgotodi said: “The acting- provincial head of the Hawks Brigadier William Mokonyama appreciated the media and the community for their constant support by providing information about the wanted suspects. He also appreciated the investigative team for pursuing the firearm.”
