Police have arrested a 20-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of Sergeant Nkululeko Mbambo, who was shot at his home in uMlazi earlier this month. | Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
Durban — A suspect is in custody for killing a Durban police officer earlier this month.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said Hawks officers from Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation working alongside the Bhekithemba police station arrested a suspect, aged 20, for house robberies and the murder of Sergeant Nkululeko Mbambo, 47.
Sergeant Mbambo was stationed at Durban Harbour SAPS.
Mhlongo stated that on December 11, 2024, Sergeant Mbambo was at home in N section, uMlazi, when the incident occurred.
It is alleged that Mbambo’s sister noticed two suspects in the yard, she ran to Sergeant Mbambo’s bedroom and informed him.
Sergeant Mbambo went out to investigate, whilst in the passage he was shot multiple times by the suspects. They took his service pistol and proceeded to the outside building where they robbed his brother. The suspects fled the scene with the laptop, sneakers, cell phones and state firearm.
Sergeant Mbambo was pronounced dead on the scene. A house robbery and police murder were registered at Umlazi police station.
Mhlongo said Hawks officers visited the crime scene and a thorough investigation ensued.
“Yesterday (Sunday), one suspect was arrested and charged accordingly. He is expected to appear in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, December 31, 2024,” Mhlongo said.
Two weeks before Sergeant Mbambo’s murder, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the quarterly crime statistics and reflected on his first 100 days in office, revealing that 17 police officials (13 off-duty, 4 on-duty) had been killed.
He said the Hawks arrested 17 suspects and secured seven convictions, including four life sentences.
“I must just add that we have been exploring the possibility of how the SAPS can assist families with civil claims against those responsible for the murder of police officers,” Mchunu said.
“This initiative aims to ensure that justice is served, not just through criminal proceedings but also by holding perpetrators financially accountable for the pain and loss they have caused. We have made provision for capacity in our revised structure, in order to achieve this.”
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.
Daily News