DURBAN – ‘Operation Qondisa,’ which was led by members of the Provincial Investigations and Tracking Task Team (PITTT) as well as officers from Rapid Rail Police Unit (RRPU) has closed-in on Siphamandla Gumede, a 29-year-old man who was on police’s wanted list for a double murder and attempted murder which he allegedly committed at Effingham Road in Greenwood Park on 21 November 2022. Gumede allegedly shot and killed two men aged 40 and 50 respectively in cold blood and fled from the scene.

With police hot on his heels, Gumede ran out of a breathing space and handed himself over to the police in the presence of his legal representative and three other men at the Amanzimtoti police station on 14 December 2022. The astute police officers searched the vehicle which the men were travelling in and found them to be in illegal possession of two firearms and ammunition. A further search at the men’s business premises led to the recovery of an R5 rifle and ammunition. They were also arrested and charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.

Bhekamashazi Nzuza (29), Siyabonga Sithole (32) and Sthembiso Mayeza (35) have appeared at the Amanzimtoti Magistrates Court on 15 December 2022 and were granted a bail of R3000-00 each. Gumede was remanded in custody when he appeared before the Durban Magistrates Court on the same date. He will be in the dock again on 22 December 2022.

Source: South African Police Service