KWAZULU-NATAL – On Saturday 12 March 2022, Hawks members from Richards Bay Serious Organised Crime Investigation working together with Esikhaleni Visible Policing members arrested a 28-year-old suspect for murder of Sergeant Thamsanqa Mbedu.

On 6 March 2021, Sergeant Mbedu (47) who was attached to Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, was driving along the road at Iniwe area. It is alleged that he had an argument with the suspects who blocked the road near the tavern. Mbedu allegedly switched on the blue light and the suspect fired shots that fatally wounded him.

A case of murder was reported at Empangeni police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks members for intensive investigation. During the investigation information was received about a suspect and a warrant of arrest was obtained. The suspect was on the run since the date of the incident until he was successfully apprehended by Esikhaleni Visible Policing on Saturday.

He is expected to appear in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court today.

Source: South African Police Service