Alleged cop killers denied bail as Hawks reveal sinister plot

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On 26 June 2025, the Hawks said three alleged cop killers have been denied bail by the Ermelo District Court.

“The trio were remanded in custody for further investigation,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

Siyabonga Duba (31), Njabulo Zwane (27) and Vusi Shabalala (43) form part of 10 suspects who are facing murder charges. All 10 are accused of murdering the Ermelo Vehicle Investigation Unit commander, Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius.

HAWKS DETAIL PLOT TO KILL POLICE OFFICER

Additionally, they are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They are also charged with defeating the ends of justice.

He said on 16 January 2025, the suspects allegedly concealed the murder weapon and set alight a vehicle that had been used in the commission of the crime.

“The first five suspects were arrested in Nelspruit by the Secunda based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, in less than 12 hours after the incident,” said Nkosi.

IDENTIFYING THE ALLEGED KILLERS

The rest of the alleged cop killers are Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), Niko Mujovo (30), Gift Mdluli (34), Valencia Skhosana (36) and Phepheni Duba (37).

Of the group, Phepheni Duba was granted R10 000 bail earlier this year, while Valencia Nkosi was denied bai l. The rest abandoned their bail applications.

“All ten suspects are expected to appear before the same court, Ermelo District Court, on 14 August 2025,” said Nkosi.

HAWKS PLEASED WITH RESULTS

The Hawks expressed that they were pleased that the court has decided to keep the accused behind bars for at least another month.

The Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, said he was satisfied with the investigation’s progress.

He said the team assigned would ensure that justice prevails in this matter.