The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks)
has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of police officer
Sergeant Mphakameli Mazinywana (48) on June 18 this year.
Sergeant Mazinywana, who was stationed at Mthatha Central
Police station, was at his house together with his wife at Old Payne locality when
they were accosted by unknown suspects who kicked the door and demanded a
firearm from the officer.
The assailants shot him in the upper body, took his service
firearm and escaped. Mazinywana succumbed to his injuries.
Hawks Eastern Cape spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela, confirmed that they have on August 5 arrested a 29-year-old man believed to
be the mastermind behind the murder of the police officer.
Two other suspects who were allegedly accomplices in the
crime, Ayanda Tutu (38) and Sandile Ntsikithi (25), were arrested on July 20 and
30 respectively.
The arrests of the trio were affected through a joint
venture between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, Gqeberha
Tactical Response Team and the flying squad.
Mgolodela further said Tutu and Ntsikithi made their
first appearances in court on their respective arrest dates but were remanded
in custody ever since.
The trio was expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s
Court today, August 6.
