IT’S been almost eight months since Zweli Duma was brutally murdered at the Nongoma Municipality’s office.
The arrest of a 30-year-old suspect brought relief to many people, especially his family.
They have been desperate to get answers regarding the murder.
The auditor’s younger brother, Siphelele Duma, said: “From what I heard, the suspect didn’t know or work with my brother. I am happy we will finally find out who sent him to do their dirty job and why.”
The People’s Paper has learnt the suspected man was nabbed in Mpumalanga and appeared at the Nongoma Magistrates Court in northern KZN on Friday to apply for legal aid.
He has been kept in custody and will appear for a formal bail application today.
Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, KZN police spokeswoman, said he was arrested last Friday by the provincial task team working on the case, in association with Mpumalanga cops.
“He made his first appearance last Monday and again on Wednesday.
He is still in custody. He has not pleaded yet,” she said.
Daily Sun reported in August last year that Duma was gunned down in his car at a parking lot on the council’s premises.
It was on the eve of the local government elections and he died on the spot.
His killer allegedly jumped over the fence and fled from the scene, leaving him in his car.
Nongoma’s municipal manager Bonga Ntanzi said the entire council was grateful that their anxiety of several months will soon be over.
“We have so many unanswered questions regarding the incident. I worked very closely with Zweli. At some point I thought I was next on the hit list. There has been so much fear among council members.”
Ntanzi said that even though the suspect’s arrest will not bring Zweli back, it would bring closure to many people who were hurt by his death.
