Nokuhle Lethukuthula Malaza
A 42-year-old male suspect was arrested today, November 13, at Sihlakwane Village, Groblersdal, in connection with the murder of 26-year-old Nokuhle Lethukuthula Malaza.
The arrest follows an intensive, week-long investigation after Malaza was reported missing from Mpumalanga.
The case began on November 06 when a missing person’s inquiry was opened at the Carolina Police Station following the disappearance of Malaza.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the last confirmed sighting of the deceased was on Saturday, November 01, in the company of the 42-year-old male friend at Kromkrans Village.
The pair were reportedly seen leaving a local tavern together. Malaza never returned home, although the male friend was later seen back in the area alone.
Fugitive hunt and community action
As family and community members from Kromkrans demanded answers regarding Nokuhle’s whereabouts, the suspect allegedly fled the area, initially hiding at his sister’s house in Sikhululile Village, Mafube Section, Arnot.
Preliminary investigations by Carolina detectives led them to Arnot and then to various hospitals in Middelburg and Witbank, as the suspect was reportedly seeking medical treatment.
On Wednesday, November 12, frustrated community members in Kromkrans blocked roads, demanding the suspect’s arrest. Carolina SAPS management intervened, urging calm and assuring residents that the investigation was making progress.
Tracing and arrest
Despite detectives leaving contact details at the hospitals, the suspect was discharged without their knowledge. Police proceeded to his sister’s home but did not locate him. However, a vehicle allegedly used during the woman’s disappearance was impounded for forensic investigation.
A multi-disciplinary investigation team, comprising members from Carolina, Badplaas, and Chrissiesmeer SAPS, was established. Utilizing forensic and intelligence-driven operations, the team successfully traced the suspect to Sihlakwane Village in Groblersdal, Limpopo.
With the assistance of Hlogotlou and Groblersdal SAPS, the team gathered information that the suspect was en route to Monsterlus. They proceeded to the location and found the man with his luggage, waiting for transport, where he was immediately arrested and transported back to Carolina SAPS.
Body discovered
During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to assaulting his girlfriend, Ms. Malaza, with a beer bottle and leaving her unconscious.
The suspect subsequently led police to a pointing-out at a bushy area on a farm located between Chrissiesmeer and Carolina. There, police discovered the naked and decomposed body of the deceased.
All relevant role players attended the scene, and the next of kin have been notified. The suspect is expected to appear before the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court on Monday, November 17, facing a charge of murder.
