The Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, are actively searching for a fugitive believed to be involved in the murder of Captain Sibusiso Mthombothi, an off-duty police officer.
The tragic incident occurred during a shoot-out at a car wash in Kanyamazane, Mpumalanga, on January 13, 2024.
A warrant of arrest for Blessing Fakude has been issued by the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court. Maj-Gen Nicolas Gerber, the Provincial Head of the Hawks, has appealed to Fakude to surrender himself and has urged members of the community to provide any information regarding his whereabouts.
Fakude’s co-accused, Jacky Sibusiso Ntiwane (Maseko), was apprehended on March 20 in Kanyamazane.
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The arrest was carried out by a team consisting of Nelspruit Crime Intelligence, the Provincial Tracking Team, and a Tactical Response Team. Despite the known presence of firearms, the team courageously approached the accused’s residence and successfully apprehended him.
Ntiwane appeared before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on March 22, where he faced a charge of murder. The bail application, scheduled for April 4, was abandoned due to concerns for his safety. The case has been postponed to May 10 to allow for further investigation, and Ntiwane remains in custody.
The Hawks, committed to combating serious and organized crime, are dedicated to bringing all those involved in the murder of Capt. Mthombothi to justice. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community is crucial in ensuring the swift apprehension of Blessing Fakude, and any information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
