THE hawks have arrested another suspect, Mzubanzi Chulayo(41), in connection with the murder of activist Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla.
Cops published Mzubanzi's picture last week Friday, 24 November, asking for the public to help them locate him.
Hawks spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi revealed that investigations led detectives to Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape, where they successfully arrested the suspect.
Mzubanzi appeared in East London Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 23 November, in transit to Cape Town.
“The suspect was traced and apprehended in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape where he was appearing in court for an unrelated matter,” said Vukubi.
Mzubanzi will appear in the Athlone Magistrates Court on 01 December 2023, where he will be joining his co-accused, Mziyanda Mdlungu.
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His arrest is linked to an incident on 17 April 2023, when Mabandla was fatally shot at Philippi railway station.
“It is believed that Mabandla was targeted for his role in talks to clear Metrorail's Central Line, where families had built their homes,” said Vukubi.
Loyiso’s widow, Nyameka KwaLunga Mabandla, confirmed that the suspect has been arrested.
Besides the arrest of Chulayo, Hawks arrested Zukisa Tshabile(38), Mziyanda Mdlungu(38)and Thobani Maxengana(39) for Mabandla's murder.
Maxengana however died whilst in detention before his appearance in court.
Western Cape head of Hawks Major General Mathipa Makgato, praised the detectives for bringing suspects to book.
In the last court appearance on Loyiso’s case on 20 November, the prosecutor reviewed that a group of people held a meeting to kill Loyiso and his wife Nyameka.
Nyameka broke into tears during the proceedings after hearing that inkabi also wanted her dead.
