KZN police confirm death of suspect linked to 2023 murder of cross-border crime fighter

KwaZulu-Natal police have confirmed the death of a suspect linked to the murder of a cross-border crime fighter in 2023.

Sipho Juda Mthethwa was ambushed at his homestead in Manguzi, near the Mozambique border gate.

He was known for fighting the smuggling of stolen South African cars into Mozambique.

Police said Sifiso Malwane, who was wanted for his murder, was killed during a house robbery in Manguzi at the weekend.

In a shocking revelation, they said Malwane’s brother, Musa, who is also a suspect in the same case, buried his brother’s remains in a secret grave, which community members later discovered.

“Investigations revealed that the body was that of Sifiso Malwane, who was shot earlier that night, and he was brought for a clandestine burial by his brother, Musa Malwane, who is also wanted for murders and cross-border crimes. The two brothers are also wanted for the murder of traditional healer James Mthembu,” said police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.