KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has welcomed yesterday’s arrests of five suspects in connection with the recent hijacking, robbery and murder of a local priest in Hattingspruit, Glencoe. On Thursday, 19 March 2015, police found a deserted vehicle in the area.
Through investigations, police were informed that the owner of the vehicle was Hamilton Bafana Zulu, 39, a priest at the Salvation Army Congregational Church in Ezakheni, Ladysmith, who had been missing since 17 March 2015.
He had been on his way to Nquthu. Police then received information that a victim had been robbed by suspects that were allegedly using Zulu’s vehicle, who was being held captive by the suspects inside the car. Zulu and the victim were taken to Dundee where they were forced to withdraw cash at the ATM.
Later, the victim was dropped off and the suspects drove off with Zulu. His body was found yesterday with multiple stab wounds in Glencoe. This week, police have arrested and charged five suspects. Today, 25 March 2015 MEC Mchunu welcomed the swift arrests of the suspects and condemned the diabolical murder of the Zulu.
“It is extremely saddening to learn that a priest has murdered in such a cruel manner. We therefore, welcome the swift arrests of these suspects because it sends a loud and clear message that the long arm of the law will always catch up with suspects.
We commend the police for bringing the suspects to justice with speed and swiftness and urge them to continue with their investigation so the suspects that that committed this heinous deed will be sent to jail. “We also call on whoever might have information in this matter to share it with the police immediately so that convictions and hefty sentences could be secured,” said Mchunu.
Mchunu also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Zulu.
Enquiries:
Sipho Khumalo
Cell: 082 682 6437
E-mail: Sipho.Khumalo@comsafety.gov.za
Kwanele Ncalane
Cell: 072 803 1462 or 079 699 5755
E-mail: Kwanele.Ncalane@kzntransport.gov.za
