Mpumalanga Premier’s Office Officials Arrested Over Forensic Investigator Murder

A senior official attached to the Mpumalanga Premier’s Office has appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court in connection with the murder of a provincial forensic investigator.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Emmanuel Neverdie Mkhabela, 47, who works as a protocol manager in the Office of the Premier in Mpumalanga, appeared in court on charges of premeditated murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of ammunition.

The charges relate to the killing of Mabidi Mashaba, a forensic investigator employed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government.

Mkhabela’s co-accused, Eckson Jabulani Mkhonto, 53, a vetting officer from the same office, briefly appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on Thursday facing similar charges.

NPA Details Alleged Pretoria Shooting Incident

NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division Pretoria, Lumka Mahanjana, said the incident took place on September 7, 2023.

“It is alleged that on 07 September 2023, the deceased was driving from Mpumalanga to his residence in Pretoria. While travelling along Hardy Muller Circle in Villeria, a vehicle occupied by the two accused allegedly drove alongside the deceased’s vehicle and fired multiple shots before fleeing the scene,” Mahanjana said.

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According to the NPA, Mashaba allegedly managed to contact his supervisor after the shooting and informed them that the two accused had shot at him.

Forensic Investigator Later Died In Hospital Leading To Officials Arrest

“He was later found on the roadside by security personnel in the area and transported to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” Mahanjana said.

The NPA said police launched extensive investigations following the killing.

Authorities confirmed that Mkhonto was arrested at a guesthouse in Mpumalanga, while Mkhabela later handed himself over to police at the Villeria Police Station.

The matter has been postponed to June 4, 2026, for a formal bail application involving both accused.

Investigations into the case are continuing.