Thihanedzwi Tshikhudo
The latest suspect to be arrested in the murder of Moses Maluleke, the mayor of the Collins Chabane municipality, has been involved in a number of violent crimes in Vhembe, Limpopo.
The 30-year-old suspect, Tahianeo Munyai, was arrested on Sunday. He is believed to be part of a gang suspected of terrorising Vhembe communities, especially businesses, targeted for armed robberies. Three other members of the gang are also accused of the mayor’s murder; they are among four men arrested last month.
Maluleke was shot and killed on arrival at his house on Thursday 21 July in what was believed to be a robbery. His 18-year-old son was also shot and injured during the incident.
Munyai is the third suspect from Duthuni village to be arrested in connection with the murder. His record includes 12 serious crimes committed in Vuwani, Siloam, Levubu, Malamulele, Mphephu and Thohoyandou.
He has also been linked to the murder of a prominent Thohoyandou Legal Aid attorney, Mmbambadzeni Manwadu, who was shot dead at his home at Maniini Block K.
During a brief appearance at the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on Monday, Munyai was asked if he had brought along a lawyer and he said he did not inform a lawyer as he did not know he was to appear in court.
His case was postponed to 19 September for him to liaise with his lawyer. He remains in custody.
Outside court, the Maluleke family spokesperson, Humphrey Mugakula, said the latest arrest has brought hope to the family that justice will at long last be served.
“We cannot say we are completely happy because we know the big fishes are still swimming freely out there.
“We hope police will do their work and arrest them and we can find closure,” he said.
Unlike at previous court appearances of the suspects in the mayor’s murder when hundreds attended, only a handful were at the court on Monday.
Munyai will be joined by the four other accused: Shumani Nemadodzi, 47, Avhatakali Mulaudzi, 42, Avhatakali Isaac Mudau, 36 and Wiseman Baloyi, 36, next Monday.
Image source: @ChabaneLocal
