By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services in Gauteng have arrested three suspects linked to the murder of Rand Water executive Teboho Joala.
Joala and City of Johannesburg chief whip Sithembiso Zungu, were shot in full view of over 70 primary school pupils at a Rand Water event in the Zakariyya Park community hall, south of Johhanesburg.
At the time, Rand Water disputed reports that it did not provide security services to Joala after his protector was also killed in his car during the incident.
Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said two of the three suspects arrested had warrants of arrests issued against them on the same case.
“The team, inclusive of the Provincial Crime Detection Tracking Team and Tactical Response Team, traced the first suspect and arrested him on Thursday while on his way from KwaZulu-Natal to Gauteng.
“Upon questioning him, further information was received about two other suspects who were hiding in KZN, the team travelled to KZN in pursuit of the suspects and managed to arrest two men who are linked to murder.”
The trio will appear before the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The first suspect linked to this case was arrested on 13 March 2024 for possession of a firearm that is suspected to be the murder weapon.
The 27-year-old accused, Ayanda Ngwenya, has been remanded in custody.
SAPS Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has commended all those involved in the arrests.
“The dedication, thoroughness and bravery displayed by members of the Gauteng Serious and Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) Murder and Robbery team, Provincial Crime Detection Tracking Team and Tactical Response Team (TRT) will restore our communities’ faith in SAPS. Community members, especially victims of crime should rest assured that our members will continue to stamp the authority of the State in bringing perpetrators to justice,” Mthombeni said.