DURBAN - Police have arrested a man for the murder of a businessman in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said Innocent Gumede, 22, appeared in the KwaMsane Magistrate’s Court for the murder and robbery of a KwaMsane businessman and was remanded in custody until January 7, 2022, for further investigation.
Mbele said on December 13, 2021, at midnight, Maqumba Mlambo, 46, a well-known businessman in the KwaMsane area was at his homestead at the Mfekayi area where he also ran some businesses, when he was accosted by three armed men at gunpoint.
“They robbed him of his firearm and an undisclosed amount of cash before shooting him. The suspects fled the scene in their white getaway vehicle.
“Mlambo was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on arrival,” she said.
Mbele said the matter was reported to KwaMsane police and charges of murder and robbery were opened for investigation.
She said on January 1, 2022, at 9am, the KwaMsane police, together with the Empangeni Tactical Response Unit, received information that the suspect was at Mchakwini area chasing and firing shots at another man. The police proceeded to the scene, spotted the vehicle intercepted and searched it.
“During the search police discovered a 9mm pistol, rounds of ammunition and cellphones. The man who was being chased by the suspect managed to escape unharmed and a case of attempted murder was opened for investigation.
“The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing. More arrests are imminent. The suspect was arrested on the scene and faces charges of murder and robbery,” Mbele said.
Daily News