NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela sends a strong message to perpetrators that police will not treat issues of Gender-Based-Violence with velvet hands but rather as serious. The sentiment by the General comes after the arrest of a murder suspect, Charlie Shabangu, aged 29 who was sought by the police in connection with the murder of his girlfriend which occurred in the beginning of June 2022.
The police at Amersfoort made a breakthrough when they arrested the suspect on Saturday, 18 June 2022 through the information provided by the community. Shabangu’s girlfriend, Nomalanga Zwane (34) was sadly murdered by the suspect in the early hours of 06 June 2022. It is further alleged that he assaulted the brother of the deceased as he tried to rescue his sister from a scene of domestic violence. Thereafter it is said that he fled the scene allegedly with Zwane’s cell phone as well as that of the brother he allegedly assaulted. Investigators have been working tirelessly to find the suspect who has been on the run ever since.
Police were notified by good citizens about a suspect whom they have been looking for, who was seen hitchhiking from Piet Retief towards the direction of Wakkerstroom. Police acted swiftly where they summoned assistance from their counterparts in Wakkerstroom and Volksrust, with clear description of the car he was reportedly in. They intercepted the car matching the description as provided. Upon noticing the police, the suspect is said to have then alighted from the vehicle and tried to run but the energetic men and women in blue caught up with him before he could get far.
Subsequent to the suspect being arrested and charged for murder as well as for assault with intent to cause grievous harm, he was taken to court and made his first appearance at the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court. Shabangu’s case was postponed to 20 July 2022 for legal representation. Meanwhile he remained in custody until then.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney has regarded the arrest of the suspect as a clear mark and indication that police will never fold their arms whenever there is an incident of Domestic Violence but they will continue to make sure that they tackle this scourge headon without any hesitation. “We have mobilized all our resources in the investigation of this case and we are so confident that there will be justice served for the family of Zwane and all other victims of Gender-Based-Violence, particularly the women and children. We also thank the public for always assisting us with valuable information on the whereabouts of suspects” said the General.
