Durban Man Arrested for Plotting to Assassinate Police Major General

DURBAN – On Sunday, November 26, 2023, officers of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit in Durban arrested a 61-year-old man for his alleged involvement in a plot to assassinate Major General Francis Slambert, the District Commissioner of Umzinyathi.

According to South African Police Service, the suspect, believed to be a notorious drug lord in the area, was charged with incitement to commit murder and conspiracy to kill Major General Slambert. The Major General, who has been at the helm in the Umzinyathi District for a year, narrowly escaped two assassination attempts between May and August 2023. It is suspected that her efforts in disrupting illegal activities in the district led the accused to hire two hitmen in an attempt to eliminate her.

The case came to light following a police report, and the Provincial Organised Crime Unit was subsequently tasked with the investigation. A strong case presented by the police led to the Newcastle Regional Court issuing a warrant for the suspect’s arrest. The arrest was made at the suspect’s residence in Dundee, where officers also seized a licensed .270 hunting rifle for further investigation. Additionally, the police discovered police and court date stamps in his possession.

The timing of the arrest is notable as it occurs during South Africa’s 16 Days of No Violence against Women and Children campaign. The KwaZulu-Natal police have emphasized their commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, asserting that any form of violence against women and children, including those serving in the South African Police Service, will be met with stringent legal action.

The suspect is slated to appear in the Newcastle Regional Court on Monday, November 27, 2023.