Johannesburg – The suspect wanted for the murder of School Principal Zwelabantu Zuma in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has been tracked to a hostel in Johannesburg, where he was shot dead in a shootout with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Narrating events leading to the deadly confrontation, police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said: “On Sunday afternoon, members of the (SAPS) National Intervention Unit (NIU) tracked down the suspect to a hostel in Mapetla, Soweto.
“When the suspect noticed the presence of police, he began shooting, and the NIU returned fire, fatally wounding him.”
Brigadier Mathe said the 40-year-old suspect was wanted for several other cases in KZN, including carjacking and having an unlicensed firearm.
“He was previously arrested, but the case was withdrawn in court,” said Brigadier Mathe.
“The relentless SAPS investigator presented new evidence before the court, and a J50 warrant of arrest was issued for the suspect.”
Brigadier Mathe said two other accused in the murder of school principal Zuma were already serving life sentences.
She said two suspects died before being tried.
One suspect is still on the run, and police are still searching for him.
