Two individuals were arrested in connection with the shooting death of Mpumalanga council member Sbonelo Mthembu and two others. The suspects were found to be in possession of weapons and ammunition during the arrest. The police are also investigating if the firearms are connected to the shooting death of another council member in the same area two months prior. Ballistic testing will be conducted on the confiscated weapons. A special team has been formed to investigate political killings in the province, including the deaths of Mthembu and another council member, Muzi Manyathi, who was shot in November of last year.

Additionally, Mthembu’s mechanic, Sandile Khumalo and friend, Sizwe Mbingo, were also killed in the incident. The suspects reportedly shot Mbingo inside a vehicle, and Mthembu and Khumalo in the yard before fleeing the scene. Mbingo died at the scene, while Mthembu and Khumalo were taken to the hospital but ultimately passed away from their injuries. Police Minister Bheki Cele announced the formation of the special team to investigate the political killings while visiting Mthembu’s family.

The police spokesman, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, announced that during the arrest, other weapons and ammunition were seized that were reportedly owned by a security firm. The police are now investigating if these weapons are also connected to any crimes. The special team formed by Police Minister Bheki Cele will focus on investigating political killings in the province and will look into both the deaths of Mthembu and Muzi Manyathi, the other council member who was shot in November last year.