DailySun
Mkhuhlu – The individual accused of robbing and fatally shooting a police constable remains in custody while law enforcement agencies continue to search for his accomplice.
The defendant, 25-year-old Tumelo Kgoedi, was ordered to stay in detention during his court appearance at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court near Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga.
This week, particularly on Monday, the case regarding the murder of 29-year-old Constable Khulani Chabangu was revisited.
The constable bravely responded to a robbery at a local hair salon, where he was threatened at gunpoint.
Sadly, he was ultimately robbed of his vehicle and clothing, and subsequently shot dead in Lyllidale, near Culcatta, close to Bushbuckridge.
This tragic event occurred at the end of last month (May 2025).
According to Hawks Mpumalanga spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, their investigations led to Kgoedi’s arrest.
Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi noted that the suspect was found in possession of a mobile phone believed to have been stolen during the robbery and murder.
“The Hawks Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the 25-year-old linked to the police officer’s murder in Lillydale, Calcutta on 30 May 2025,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi.
“The police official was shot during a robbery at the local salon, where money and cellphones were taken at gunpoint.
“Before being fatally shot in the upper body, the constable was robbed of his vehicle and clothing.
“The team managed to apprehend a 25-year-old suspect on one of the streets, where he was found with two cellphones.
“It is suspected that one of the cellphones was stolen during the robbery and murder of the police official.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi mentioned that efforts are ongoing to locate another suspect connected to the constable’s murder.
“Further investigations led the team to the suspect’s friend’s residence,” said Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi.
“Upon seeing the police, the suspect’s friend managed to escape and disappeared into the neighborhood.
“A search of the house uncovered a handgun with its serial numbers removed and four live rounds of ammunition,” Nkosi confirmed.
The case is set to return to court next week on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.
