By Palesa Matlala
- Pakistani shop owner arrested as second suspect in brutal murder of 14-year-old Likhona Fose in Durban Deep.
- Community members looted his spaza shop and tipped off police about his connection to co-accused Mduduzi Mnisi.
A Pakistani shop owner has been arrested as the second suspect in the killing of 14-year-old Likhona Fose.
The Durban Deep shop owner was arrested on Wednesday night, while his co-accused Mduduzi Mnisi, 39, made his first court appearance at Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court for the alleged premeditated murder of the Grade 8 learner earlier that day.
On Wednesday, 12 June, JMPD cops were sent to the area after community members looted the spaza shop belonging to the accused and to stop further violence.
Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, Johannesburg MMC for public safety, said the community played an important role in the arrest of the Pakistani shop owner.
“We were actually tipped off, and through questioning Mnisi and through the community we managed to find the link between Mnisi and the Pakistani,” said Tshwaku.
However, it is still not known when the shop owner will appear before court.
“The government and law enforcement will fight to make sure that Mnisi and the Pakistani man, who cannot be named until he has appeared in court, are not released on bail,” he said.
He added that investigations are ongoing and police are working hard to gather evidence and bring all those responsible to justice.
“The community is asked to remain calm and work with law enforcement,” said Tshwaku.
The National Prosecuting Authority told the court that it plans to oppose Mnisi’s bail application. He has a previous attempted murder conviction and was released on parole less than three months ago.
“As the state we plan to oppose bail. We are still gathering more evidence that will prove that the suspect has a record of violent crimes,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, Gauteng NPA spokesperson.
Fose’s cut-up body was found in an open field, just a few streets away from her home after her family couldn’t find her.
Pictured above: Likhona Fose.
Image source: Supplied
