NINE OUT OF TEN SUSPECTS REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF A POLICE OFFICER
MPUMALANGA: Nine out of ten suspects that are allegedly involved in the murder of the Ermelo Vehicle Investigation Unit commander Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius on 16 January 2025, were remanded in custody.
All five suspects that were arrested in Nelspruit within 12 hours on 17 January 2025, the former police official Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40) Nyiko Mujovo (30) and Valencia Skhosana (35) and the fugitive Prince Gift Mdluli that was arrested in Komatipoort on 08 March 2025 are expected to appear before Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 25 June 2025. The matter was postponed for further investigation.
Four extra suspects were arrested on 16 March 2025 in Ermelo after an intense investigation was conducted. Three out of the four suspects, Vusi Shabalala (43), Njabulo Zwane (26), and Percy Duba (30), will reappear before Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 17 April 2025 for bail application. The fourth suspect, Phetheni Duba (37), is currently out on bail. Duba is expected to join her co-accused in court on 25 June 2025.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Nico Gerber is pleased with the progress made in this case so far. “The postponement will allow the investigating team to consolidate all necessary information so that justice is served for the fallen hero,” said the General.
