Swift police work leads to arrest

A MURDER suspect was last week arrested just hours after committing the crime at a tavern in Khula Village near St

Lucia.

Philasande Maphanga (28) is alleged to have shot and killed Dumisani Sibusiso Mantengu (34) in cold blood following an argument.

After the incident, St Lucia police officers responded quickly to the complaint and reportedly arrived on scene to find the accused still pointing a firearm at the victim who was lying on the floor in a pool of blood.

Police ordered Maphanga to drop his weapon, which he did, and arrested him.

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While Maphanga’s firearm was licensed, Mtubatuba SAPS Communications Officer, Captain Justice Hlabisa strongly condemned him taking it to the tavern.

According to Hlabisa, as the officers were locking the accused in the van, a drunken mob approached them, accusing him of trying to kill one of them.

Police officers fired warning shots to disperse the crowd.

Maphanga appeared at Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on 16 April and was released on bail.

The case was remanded to 25 May.

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