Eastern Cape police investigating the brutal murder of Namhla Mtwa have turned to the public for assistance in closing a case that’s revived the conversation about the scourge of violence against women and children in South Africa.
Namhla Mtwa murder investigation hits new low
In a statement released on Sunday, police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana revealed that detectives working on the case are “appealing for assistance from the public and [are] offering a cash reward to the amount of R200 000 for information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect involved in the murder.”
This last-ditch effort comes two weeks after Police Minister Bheki Cele assured the Mtwa family that detectives were on the right path and “on solid ground” with following up leads.
However, seven weeks after Mtwa was viciously gunned down outside of her residence in Sidwadwa, Mthatha, police are nowhere near issuing a warrant of arrest against a suspect.
“Intensive and sensitive investigation is currently underway in order to track, trace and arrest the culprit. The cash reward is therefore offered as part of the ongoing investigation process and to any individual who can provide information that will lead to the arrest, successful prosecution and subsequent conviction of the suspect responsible for the murder of the late Namhla Mtwa,” Kinana pleaded.
Mtwa was in an abusive relationship with a renowned businessman and ANC member Mfesane ‘Major’ Bhekizulu. Videos, images and screenshots of texts between Mtwa and Bhekizulu surfaced on social media shortly after her bullet-riddled body was discovered on her driveway.
However, to this day, it seems authorities have not gathered enough evidence to submit a strong case to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). We do understand, though, that the task team working on the Mtwa murder has issued a subpoena for Bhekizulu to appear in court for murder and attempted murder charges stemming from 2018.
It’s believed the businessman may have knowledge of the death and attempted murder of his former employees. Bhekizulu will make his appearance at the Mqanduli magistrate’s court.
