By Kopano Dibakwane
The sixth suspect linked to the murder of Ermelo Unit Commander for Vehicle Crime Investigation, Lt-Col Piet Pretorius(59), was nabbed in Komatipoort on Saturday 8 March 2025, following a tip-off about his whereabouts. He was reportedly on the run since the day of the alleged murder on 16 January 2025.
The five other suspects, former police officer Mthobisi Nkosi(49), Aubrey Xaba(35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane(40), Nyiko Mujovo(30) and Valencia Skhosana, were nabbed in Nelspruit by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Crime on 17 January 2025, in less than 12 hours after Lt-Col Pretorius was gunned down execution style in Ermelo.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Lt-Col Magonseni Nkosi, four of the accused(Nkosi, Xaba, Skhakhane and Mujovo) have abandoned their bail application and remanded in custody after appearing before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2025. They four will appear again in court on 10 April 2025.
The fifth suspect(Skhosana), who was also remanded in custody, will proceed with her bail application on 12 March 2025 after she appeared in court twice on 18 and 27 February 2025.
“ He(the sixth suspect) was arrested in one of the clothing shops in Komatipoort. During his arrest he was wearing dirty and worn-out clothes,” said Lt-Col Nkosi.
The collaborative work between the community, private security industry, and external stakeholders, was commended by Hawks Head in Mpumalanga, Major-General Nico Gerber.
He said members of the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical teams and other divisions, followed up on several sightings reported about the suspect and eventually located his whereabouts in order to effect the successful arrest.
“ I appreciate the community involvement as this is a clear indication that communities are standing behind law enforcement and are tired of criminality, said General Gerber.
The newly-arrested suspect will reportedly join the other suspects in their next court appearance.
