GIYANI – A resident of Nkowankowa Township, Daniel Hlungwani (20) briefly appeared in the Giyani Regional Court last Thursday on a charge of murder. The incident relating to the case took place at the Giyani Shopping Centre during the night of April 26 this year.

According to the spokesperson of the police in the Lowveld, Insp. Hasani Mabaso, the accused allegedly killed an off-duty police officer, D/Insp Masenyani Richard Nkuna (33) during the incident.

The statement indicates that Nkuna left the Giyani police station shortly after going off duty during the night of the incident. He decided to pay his brother, who resides at Giyani Tonwship a visit. On his way to his brother's home Nkuna allegedly met the accused.

The accused allegedly produced a pistol and shot the victim in the head without saying a word. D/Insp Nkuna died at the spot.

The accused allegedly stole a 9mm pistol, an undisclosed amount of money and a Nokia cellular phone in the possession of the victim before he vanished in the surrounding bushes. The accused was arrested a few days after the incident.

According to the police statement, Hlungwani was allegedly in possession of a cellular phone and a 9mm pistol belonging to the deceased at the time of his arrest. He was not asked to plead and the case was postponed to 16 July. Hlungwani will be in custody until his next court date, as his bail application was refused.