The South African Policing Union (Sapu) has called for no further delays in justice following the re-arrest of the sister-in-law of slain police officer Sithembiso Mnatwana, who is alleged to have been behind his assassination.
Babalwa Rulwa-Mnatwana was apprehended by the Hawks serious organised crime investigation team on Friday and was released on R10 000 bail following her appearance in court.
The matter was remanded to September 25, for her to appear alongside her co-accused, Mihle Mngambi.
Vispol police officer Mnatwana was gunned down in his uniform outside his home in 2022, just metres away from the local police station.
According to Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani, he was returning home from a 12-hour shift at the Cape Town Central police station.
Mnatwana’s body was riddled with bullets – he was reportedly shot more than 10 times.
“It is reported that on September 8, 2022 at 6.50am the sergeant arrived home from work when gunshots were heard by members of the public. The police official was found laying on his back in front of his house in Samora Machel. He was shot multiple times.
The police official was declared dead on the scene.
“The matter was immediately referred to the Hawks, and a massive hunt for the killers was launched,” said Hani.
The case was allocated to the National Priority Violent Crimes (NPVC) team. After about six months, their investigation led them to the 52-year-old sister-in-law.
Their probe revealed that the prime suspect, Rulwa-Mnatwana, married to the deceased’s brother, allegedly hired a hitman.
A manhunt ensued for the suspect who was later identified as Mngambi.
“The matter against her was provisionally withdrawn on October 24, 2023. Her accomplice, accused number two, Mngambi, was arrested on May 20 (2024) and bail was successfully opposed at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court,” said Hani.
A J50 warrant of arrest was obtained for Rulwa-Mnatwana as the investigation had been ongoing and this led to her re-arrest, authorities said.
Sapu said: “We welcome the developments made in the case and hope that there will be no further delays in bringing justice for the family.
“We still say to curb police killings we need to declare it as treason and we will also have to bring back a specialised unit.
“One police officer (killed) is one too many.”
Cape Times