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KwaMhlanga – A 28 year old in connection with taxi murder crimes including three shootings in the Nkangala District where a Taxi Marshall, France Oupa Manamela (39) was gunned down at Miliva Taxi Rank on the first of March, appeared before the KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 04 May.
The accused is also accused of being involved in a shooting that occurred at Moloto on the same day when Manamela was murdered. The victim sustained injuries on his leg. The accused is also suspected to have been involved in another murder which transpired at Tweefontein on April 23. A 42 year old man who was a taxi owner was gunned down to death a few meters away from where Manamela was killed.
With the help of intensive investigation and community members who assisted police with valuable information. The information presented to police by community members led police to a resident in Tweefontein where the accused was arrested. It is alleged that he was found with a licensed firearm and ammunition. Police seized them from him with his VW Polo as it is believed that the items have been used when the accused committed the crimes.
Major General Thulani Phahla, acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga said that the arrest is welcomed and will no doubt bring answers to other unresolved similar cases that took place within the taxi fraternity around KwaMhlanga areas. “We are adamant that the investigation team will unearth more information so that justice can be served on behalf of the victims of these killings,” he said.
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