By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
A 44-year-old police officer who allegedly shot and killed his lover and a domestic worker has been arrested after a shootout with police.
The Limpopo-based policeman, Sergeant Nditsheni Vele, was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning.
Vele has been on the run since Tuesday night after he allegedly shot his lover, Humbulani Nenzhelele, and her domestic worker, Ndifelani Mudzhweda.
Police issued a statement on Thursday asking the public to help trace the suspect.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said Vele was arrested following a shootout at the Makuya policing area after a well-coordinated operation by Vhembe district police officials.
“The suspect was spotted driving at high speed along the Tshitavha road next to Sambandou Bridge. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect started firing multiple shots at them, prompting the police to respond swiftly,” said Mashaba.
The shooting took place in Masisi village, outside Thohoyandou.
Mashaba said that the suspect was wounded in the exchange, and one police officer sustained minor injuries. “The police recovered a service pistol and ammunition. Both the suspect and the injured officer were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment,” said Mashaba.
Given Mudau, a close friend of Vele and both deceased women, told Scrolla.Africa that he believed the motive behind the killings to be Vele’s desire that his lover fire her domestic worker. She allegedly refused.
“For several weeks, the two lovers have been having disagreements regarding her appointment.” He said Mudzhweda told him that Vele wanted her to be fired after she told her employer about Vele’s cheating ways.
However, police dismissed these allegations at this early stage of the case. Mashaba said the motive behind the killing is still unknown.
The Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the rapid response of members in the Vhembe district.
“We wish the injured member a speedy recovery and assure the public that the suspect will face the full consequences of his actions, particularly for his refusal to surrender and the violence he displayed towards our officers,” said Hadebe.
Pictured above: The arrested police Sergeant Nditsheni Vele.
Source: SAPS
