Local police members mourn loss of fellow officer
Police in Empangeni and eSikhaleni are mourning the loss of one of their own after Sergeant NK Mbatha was shot dead on Saturday night.
The shooting occurred just before midnight in eSikhaleni Reserve 18, while Mbatha, his girlfriend and cousin were walking home from a tavern.
According to police reports, they were approached by seven individuals, two of whom grabbed them from behind while three searched them.
Mbatha was in possession of his State-issued firearm, which was stolen during the attack.
He tried to fight back, but was overpowered and shot twice in the stomach.
He was rushed to Phaphamani Clinic in J1 section, but succumbed to his wounds.
One bullet head and one empty cartridge were found at the scene.
The crime scene was attended by various police officials, including acting district commander Brigadier Mhlongo, acting station commander LT Col Fakazi, branch commander Lt Col Gwala, duty officer Capt Mzimela LCRC, as well as detectives on standby.
Informants were activated to track down the suspects. No arrest has yet been made.
Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Local police members mourn loss of fellow officer
Police in Empangeni and eSikhaleni are mourning the loss of one of their own after Sergeant NK Mbatha was shot dead on Saturday night. The shooting occurred just before midnight in eSikhaleni Reserve 18, while Mbatha, his girlfriend and cousin were walking home from a tavern. According to police reports, they were approached by seven individuals, two of whom grabbed them from behind while three searched them. Mbatha was in possession of his State-issued firearm, which was stolen during the attack. He tried to fight back, but was overpowered and shot twice in the stomach. He was rushed to Phaphamani Clinic in J1 section, but succumbed to his wounds. One bullet head and one empty cartridge were found at the scene. The crime scene was attended by various police officials, including acting district commander Brigadier Mhlongo, acting station commander LT Col Fakazi, branch commander Lt Col Gwala, duty officer Capt Mzimela LCRC, as well as detectives on standby. Informants were activated to track down the suspects. No arrest has yet been made. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
Cable theft sparks community outrage after dogs were poisoned in Model Park.
Cable theft sparks community outrage after dogs were poisoned in Model Park. The community of Model Park is reeling after a series of brazen cable thefts escalated into something far more devastating – the targeted poisoning of dogs. Thieves, reportedly operating around 03:00, stripped vital Telkom lines from behind properties on Gerda and Mona Streets. In a cruel bid to silence alarm systems and animal alerts, they allegedly poisoned multiple dogs, resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of local pets. #eMalahleni #crime #cabletheft #witbank #poisoned #SPCA ♬ original sound – witbanknews @witbanknews The community of Model Park is reeling after a series of brazen cable thefts escalated into something far more devastating – the targeted poisoning of dogs. Thieves, reportedly operating around 3:00, stripped vital Telkom lines from behind properties on Gerda and Mona Streets. In a cruel bid to silence alarm systems and animal alerts, they allegedly poisoned multiple dogs, resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of local pets. #witbanknews Ward Councillor Karien McDermid has condemned the acts as both criminal and inhumane, urging residents to stay vigilant and work closely with authorities to restore safety to the neighborhood. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Murder suspect absconds case
EVATON. – The communities help is sought by the Evaton police in locating a murder suspect, Billy Albert Legrenze, that did not pitch for his case at the Palm Ridge High Court recently. It is said that the suspect was attending the case of murder after he allegedly killed his partner. 'The incident occurred on 2024-01-03 at 95 Max Road Evaton. The trial was scheduled from 2025-05-26 until 2025-06-06. The trial resumed, and the suspect got bail. The suspect was supposed to come back on 2025-05-29 and never pitched up for his trial. He had evaded his trial and failed to comply with his bail condition,' said police spokesperson, Constable Thulisile Msibi said. Meanwhile, Msibi added that the suspect had told the community and family members that he had won the case. 'The suspect is no longer staying at the given address, he stays around Polokong or Boitumelo with his girlfriend. He is short in height, light in completion and speaks Southern Sotho. Anyone who can know the whereabouts of the suspect can call Sergeant Mkhonza or Evaton Police on 016 590 9300 or 0800 10111.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
