The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has confirmed the arrest of one of Cape Town’s most wanted suspects, Ayazola Fulu, also known as “China”, in connection with the murder of a South African Police Service (SAPS) member and Premier Soccer League (PSL) referee, Constable Akho Ndzingo.
The suspect, aged 30, was apprehended in Mfuleni following a thorough investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Serious and Violent Crime Investigation unit.
Linked to 10 murder cases
Fulu is believed to be linked to over 10 murder cases and five attempted murders in Khayelitsha and Lingeletu West between 2021 and 2024.
Constable Ndzingo was fatally shot on the evening of 12 June 2024 while conducting crime prevention duties with two colleagues in Khayelitsha.
The officers attempted to stop and search a suspicious individual on the corner of Badi and Ndabambi Streets, when the suspect opened fire.
Constable Ndzingo was struck in the chest, above his bulletproof vest.
Despite his colleagues rushing him to the Khayelitsha Day Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.
Sustained injuries
Following an intensive investigation, Fulu was identified as the shooter.
He sustained injuries in a shootout with police but managed to flee the scene.
He was later traced and arrested just prior to appearing in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on unrelated charges.
According to Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani: “After a tireless investigation into the murder, the suspect could be identified and linked to the offence. The arrest represents a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the Western Cape.”
Constable Ndzingo had only been in the SAPS for six months at the time of his death and was a respected Premier Soccer League referee.
The case has been postponed to 25 April 2025 for bail information.
Hawks continue to do good work, but can they ever ‘win the battle’?
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