A well-known fire fighter from the Makhado Fire station, Ms Shirley Muleya (30), appeared in the Makhado Magistrate's court on Tuesday, 12 March, facing a charge of conspiracy to murder her spouse. The case was postponed to 19 April.

Police spokesperson Capt Maano Sadiki said Muleya would have to face accusations that she had hired two hit men to kill her spouse. Sadiki said investigations were at an advanced stage. He could not rule out the possibility of further arrests. The suspect was released on R2 000 bail.

Shirley Muleya was married to Ishmael Ligege in December 2011 in a ceremony held at Makhado. The honeymoon period was soon over and gone and they parted ways in February 2012. The husband apparently accused his wife of cheating on him.

In an interview with Mr Ligege, he alleged that he later found out that his wife had hired two hit men to kill him. He alleged that the motive might be an insurance policy she had taken out on his life.

Only one of the two men allegedly hired to kill Ligege appeared in court along with Muleya. His case was also postponed to 19 April and he was released after paying R1 000 bail. None of the suspects had pleaded and will probably be asked to do so during their next court appearance.