A Greenbury Drive resident could soon be facing a murder charge after he allegedly shot and killed a cable theft suspect on Wednesday night.
The cable theft suspect was rushed to hospital and succumbed to his injuries on Thursday morning. Phoenix SAPS communications officer, Captain Louise Naidoo, said: “It is alleged by Warrant Officer Chetty that the police received a complaint of a shooting at Greenbury Drive, near the mosque. On arrival at the scene, a man approached the police and informed them that a male had attempted to stab him.”
Cpt Naidoo said ambulance personnel were on the scene and they stated that the male believed to be a suspect had a bullet entry to his left side of the abdomen and he was given the necessary treatment and taken to hospital.
“A state case of attempted murder was opened. The complainant thereafter led the police to his home on Bootgreen Walk which was about 30 metres away from the scene, and he further alleged that while he was at his house prior to the incident, he heard an explosion outside. He claimed he went to investigate and he did not see anyone. The complainant then stated he went to his gate and saw a male busy cutting the electric cable with a knife. The complainant’s firearm was in his possession at this time. The complainant alleged that he confronted the person and inquired about his actions at which point the suspect advanced towards him and produced a knife to stab him. The complainant then drew his firearm and shot him once. The suspect started to run away and fell onto the pavement opposite the mosque,” added Cpt Naidoo.
According to Cpt Naidoo, the complainant’s firearm and license was seized by the police together with the suspect’s knife, which was lying close to him. “Furthermore, the suspect was in possession of a black bag which had cut electrical cables. The LCRC and detective arrived at the scene, and primer residue was done on the complainant. At about 3am, the hospital informed the police that the suspect was deceased due to injuries. Police arrived and confirmed that the suspect is deceased.
The related case of theft and damage to infrastructure was registered. Detectives are investigating further. No arrest effected as yet,” Cpt Naidoo said.
Cpt Naidoo added that the family of the deceased, Skhumbuzo Mavundla has yet to be notified of his death and that they are appealing for help in locating them. She said: “We are trying to identify the deceased family members so we can inform them about his death. Skhumbuzo is believed to be in his early 30’s and was wearing a long grey pants and a black t-shirt when the incident happened.”
Following the incident, KZN VIP spokesperson, Gareth Naidoo, said they are urging the community to be more vigilant during these times. “Had the homeowner not been vigilant he would have been fatally wounded by the suspect, who had initially attempted to attack and cause him harm.”
If you have information or location on the whereabouts of Skhumbuzo Mavundla’s family, contact 031 508 2300.
