Three suspects linked to the murder of Rand Water executive Teboho Joala have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal.
This brings the number of those arrested in connection with the hit to four.
The arrests were effected in KwaZulu-Natal, the province which national police commissioner Bheki Cele labelled recently as the main supplier of hitmen in South Africa.
Gauteng provincial commissioner Lt-Gen Tommy Mthombeni commended his officers on the arrest of three suspects for the murders of Joala and his bodyguard.
Intelligence-driven operation led to arrest
Provincial police spokesperson Brenda Muridili revealed that an intelligence-driven operation led to the apprehension of the three suspects.
Joala and his bodyguard were gunned down in front of pupils at a community hall in Zakariyya Park, south of Johannesburg. This happened during a back-to-school event on January 29, 2024.
“Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Murder and Robbery team has been following up on various leads in this double murder case,” said Muridili.
“The team, inclusive of the Provincial Crime Detection Tracking Team and Tactical Response Team (TRT) traced the first suspect. They arrested him on April 18 2024 while on his way from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng. Upon questioning him, further information was obtained about two other suspects. They were hiding in KZN.
Suspects traced to KZN
“The team travelled to KZN in pursuit of the suspects and managed to arrest two men who are linked to murder. Of the three suspects arrested, two had warrants of arrests issued against them on the same case.
“The third suspect was arrested without a warrant of arrest in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act,” she said.
The trio will appear before the Protea magistrate’s court in Protea North, Soweto, on Monday, April 22, 2024.
“Another suspect linked to this case was arrested on 13 March 2024 for possession of a firearm that is suspected to be the one used during the commission of the murder. The 27-year-old accused, Ayanda Ngwenya remains in custody and his case has been remanded to 16 May 2024.
Arrest commended
“The dedication, thoroughness and bravery displayed by members will restore our communities’ faith in the SAPS. These are the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Murder and Robbery team. Also the Provincial Crime Detection and the Tactical Response Team.
“Community members should rest assured that our members will continue to stamp the authority of the state. Especially victims of crime. This in bringing perpetrators to justice,” said Lt-Gen Mthombeni.
