A 39-year-old man has appeared in the Tiyani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, in connection with the murder of a police sergeant.
Awelani Kennedy Matumba was remanded in police custody. His case has been postponed to Tuesday, 14 April 2026, for a formal bail application and further police investigations.
The case stems from two separate murder incidents that occurred on Saturday, 9 August 2025, at approximately 15:00, at Nkuna Kraal Mall in Nkuzana village. Police from Hlanganani SAPS in the Mopani District responded to the scene.
According to reports, the female victim, a police sergeant, was out with two adults and her six-year-old child when her estranged husband approached her. The couple had been separated for approximately seven months.
A heated argument allegedly ensued, after which the husband took a service firearm and shot the victim in the upper body. As he attempted to flee to a vehicle, community members who had witnessed the incident chased and assaulted him, then set him alight next to his vehicle. The vehicle was burnt beyond recognition.
Murder cases were registered. Two male suspects, aged 31 and 35, were apprehended on 20 and 26 August 2026 respectively. Their accomplice, Awelani Kennedy Matumba, was arrested on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, at his hideout within the policing area.
The deceased male has been identified as Sergeant Mavhetha Ottaniel, attached to the Thohoyandou K9 unit. The deceased female has been identified as Sergeant Mavhetha Rembuluwani, attached to the Beit Bridge port of entry.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the remaining suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Stanley Chauke at 072 554 3141, or to contact the nearest police station, or call the CrimeStop toll-free number at 08600 10111, or share information anonymously via the MySAPS App.
Police investigations are ongoing.