A 53-year-old Reaction Officer and a 28-year-old truck driver, have been arrested for the horrifying murder of 33-year-old, Mbongeleni Sikhosana, the Reaction Unit South Africa officer who was ambushed, shot and dumped into a manhole, in a pre-dawn attack at Riverhorse valley, on 4 November.
Speaking to the Tongaat and Verulam Tabloid, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson, Prem Balram, said Sikhosana was recruited six weeks ago by the company and was just finding his place within the fraternity. “He was passionate about his job, very energetic and dedicated to his duty,” said Balram. According to RUSA reports, Sikhosana was based at a business complex in Riverhorse Valley and was on patrol in a branded golf cart when he was ambushed, shot in the head and dumped in a manhole which was allegedly covered by his killers. Balram said his body was discovered by his colleagues at the business park when they spotted a pool of blood and a spent 9mm cartridge next to a manhole while searching for Sikhosana. “The body of the RUSA member was located in a manhole and the concrete cover was removed. His golf cart was recovered approximately 100 meters away. The seat was covered in blood,” said Balram. He said RUSA Reaction Officers worked swiftly to make the arrest of the suspects accused of killing their fellow colleague. This came after Reaction Officers interviewed several individuals and scrutinised their fallen colleagues movement reports. Balram said a man known to the victim was identified as a possible suspect.
“Officers approached the individual who confirmed during an interview that he and an accomplice ambushed and shot the victim. The suspects then removed the concrete cover from the manhole and dumped the Reaction Officer down the drain. They thereafter abandoned his golf cart approximately 100 meters away from the scene,” he said. Balram added that the suspect was escorted to his accomplice’s room where a Norinco 9mm pistol, allegedly used in the murder, was recovered. “The second suspect is a truck driver and had proceeded on a delivery. Reaction Officers concealed themselves in the premises until he returned. Heavily armed officers surrounded his truck and placed him under arrest. Both suspects and the firearm were handed over to the Greenwood Park SAPS for further investigation,” said Balram.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that a case of murder is currently being investigated by Greenwood Park SAPS. She said: “It is alleged that a security official was shot and killed by known suspects near Prince Umhlangane Road. Two suspects aged 28 and 53, one of whom is also a security guard, were placed under arrest.” The news of the murder brought much anger and frustration to many community members, who passed their condolences and called for justice to prevail. One such Facebook user, Pamela Martin, said: “My condolences to the family during this time. I can’t imagine what they must be going through. It is absolutely heartbreaking to see news like this, the same people who are expected to keep us safe are constantly being targeted. This is not the first time something like this has happened and it’s sickening. I hope those arrested receive life in jail,”
Another Facebook user, Bradley Govender, said: “I hope that these murderers face the full rathe of the law and do not get bail. There needs to be more safety precautions for all officers who are front line because they keep us safe, it only makes sense that someone keeps them safe as well. Rest in Peace officer.” The family of Sikhosana declined to comment due to the sensitivity of the matter. Balram said the company with be assisting with the burial of the late officer. He said: “RUSA have concluded that we will be conducting his funeral and also be transporting Sikhosana’s body to Ulundi for his final rights. The funeral might take place over the weekend, however we have yet to confirm the date and time.” Lt-Col Gwala said both suspects will appear in court this week.
