By Celani Sikhakhane
- A 29-year-old suspect was arrested in a Gauteng prison after ballistics linked an AK47 to the Khumalo murder scene.
- Inkosi Siphamandla Khumalo and Queen Thuthukile Khumalo were shot dead in 2023 while their four-year-old son survived.
An AK47 found in a Gauteng murder case has been linked to the killing of Inkosi Siphamandla Khumalo and his wife, Queen Thuthukile Khumalo.
A 29-year-old suspect was arrested in custody in Gauteng on Thursday, 14 May, after a long investigation by the Political Killing Task Team.
Police have not said whether the suspect was one of the two gunmen who ambushed the couple. They say ballistic tests linked one of the AK47 rifles found in the Kagiso case to the scene where Inkosi Khumalo and Queen Thuthukile were killed.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspect was already in custody in Gauteng.
He had been arrested there for the murder of two people, including a police officer, who were shot and killed in Kagiso.
He was also found in possession of three AK47 assault rifles.
“The docket was handed over to the PKTT and formed part of the now famous 121 dockets,” said Netshiunda.
On the morning of 28 October 2023, Inkosi Khumalo was driving with his wife and their four-year-old son along the R34 Road in Baltusspruit, Nhlazadolo.
They were on their way to a traditional ceremony of the Basotho clan under Kgosi Bokang Molefe in Nquthu.
Two suspects allegedly opened fire on them from inside another vehicle. The Khumalos’ vehicle left the road and stopped in an open field.
Police say the suspects got out and continued shooting.
When police arrived, the couple were dead. Their four-year-old son was found in a pool of blood but was unharmed.
Netshiunda said the suspect is also linked to murders in Richards Bay and other parts of the country.
KZN Cogta MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi welcomed the arrest and said law enforcement agencies had worked to bring those responsible to book.
Pictured above: Inkosi Siphamandla Khumalo, who was killed with his wife Queen Thuthukile Khumalo in 2023 while on their way to a Basotho clan ceremony in Nquthu.
Image source: KZN Cogta
