By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that a fifth suspect, believed to be a Nigerian national was on Tuesday charged with defeating the ends of justice in connection with the death of Hillary Gardee.
This brings to five, the number of people handcuffed over the killing of EFF former secretary-general Gordrich Gardee’s daughter.
A provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, said the man, who is in his mid-30s, was taken in for questioning on Sunday August 14 and was subsequently charged.
“He is linked through the cellphone and laptop of the deceased and is expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday August 17,” said Mohlala.
Gardee’s body was found dumped in Mbombela, days after she was reported missing earlier this year.
Three suspects, Sipho Mkhatshwa, Philemon Lukhele and Albert Gama were originally arrested for Gardee’s murder. Mkhatshwa’s bail application was denied, while Lukhele and Gama are expected to apply for bail in September.
On Thursday, police arrested a fourth suspect during a sting operation in KwaThema, Springs, on Thursday night.
Hlabirwa Rassie Nkuna appeared in the Delmas magistrate’s court on Monday to face charges of murder, robbery and possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. The case is in connection with the murder of 27-year-old Nonkululeko Nkosi from Midrand, whom he allegedly met for a date after connecting via Facebook.
The suspect was rearrested on Monday while appearing on the Nkosi murder case for the murder of a policewoman and her sister in Kanyamazane in June.
On Tuesday, Nkuna appeared before the Kanyamazane magistrate’s court for the alleged murder of Sgt Marcia Mazibuko — stationed at Ngodwana police — and her sister Pretty Mazibuko on June 15 this year.
Nkuna was remanded in custody and the case was postponed until September 9 for further investigation.