MPUMALANGA – On the 1st of November, 2023, Zanele Mkhonto, a 28-year-old accused of police murder, was remanded in custody at the Mbombela High Court pending a guilty plea. The case revolves around the murder of Sergeant Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala, a 45-year-old police officer who lost his life on the night of Tuesday, 2nd August 2022, in Gedlembane, Pienaar.

According to South Africa Police Service, which conducted the investigation, Mkhonto, who was in a relationship with the late Sergeant Thwala, was linked to the murder. She was subsequently arrested and charged on Wednesday, 10th August 2022, and made her first court appearance at the Kanyamazane Magistrates’ Court on the same day. Despite several court appearances and attempts to secure bail with the assistance of Legal Aid, Mkhonto was denied bail and has remained in custody since her arrest.

The court has adjourned her case to Thursday, 2nd November 2023, when she is expected to enter a guilty plea. Major General Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, praised the investigating officer and the prosecution authorities for their collaboration and urged the public to continue providing information on criminal activities in their areas, assuring them of confidentiality in handling the information received.