Five men allegedly linked to the murder of two crime intelligence police officers in Durban appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The courtroom charge sheet says the men took R900,000 from the officers and a pistol. Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandlakhe Khuzwayo were ambushed in Mount Edgecombe on April 30. Nel died at the scene while Khuzwayo died weeks later. Investigations led police to six suspects. Five were arrested in Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West on Friday, while the sixth was fatally wounded during a police raid in Inanda.
Court appearance
Smangaliso Tembe, Mduduzi Myeza, Bongani Zulu, Wandile Nyawo and Sibusiso Sibisi made their first court appearance on Monday. The men face charges of conspiracy to commit robbery with aggravating circumstances, robbery with aggravating circumstances, murder and unlawful possession of automatic firearms and ammunition.
According to the charge sheet, during the period February to April 2026, the men conspired among themselves and with others to steal cash from the police attached to the Crime Intelligence Secret Service account.
The state says the men acted in common purpose. They are expected to apply for bail on October 16.
Arrests
Police said the sixth suspect was located at a house in Emaplasini, Inanda, but allegedly refused to obey instructions and opened fire from inside the property.
Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the standoff lasted about three hours, while negotiations continued with the man. The suspect eventually released his girlfriend, who was inside the house.
He was later shot and fatally wounded during the operation, according to Netshiunda. A Special Task Force officer was also shot in the hand during the operation.
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