MAKHADO – A well-known detective at Makhado, Detective Inspector Mbhazima Daniel Mthombeni (39), was found murdered next to the Capricorn Plaza along the N1 road to Pietersburg on Wednesday.

His vehicle was found next to the road with blood on the gear lever and steering wheel, and the rear window was broken. Insp Mtombeni’s body was found a few metres away from the scene with gun wounds to the head and neck. His service firearm and cellphone were also missing.

At the time of going to press, no suspect had been arrested yet in connection with the case, and the police investigations are continuing.

According to the police, Insp Mthombeni was on leave and was supposed to return to work on October 11. The police at Makhado appeals to anyone with information in connection with the case to phone their nearest police station at the tollfree number 10111 or to contact the Makhado Police Station at 015 519 4300 or Detective Captain Seckle at 082 565 8171 or 083 960 4329.

Detective Inspector Mbhazima Daniel Mthombeni (39) of Riverplaats joined the South African Police Force at Booysens in the Gauteng Province on June 20, 1986.

He enrolled for a three-year Diploma in Policing in 1987 in order to be equipped with more skills to prevent crime, maintain public order and protect the lives of all South Africans. After completing the diploma, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant.

In 1994, Mthombeni was nominated and trained as Captain Crime Stop, where he was responsible for educating the children at schools about crime prevention activities and their safety. When the country changed into a democratic state, Mthombeni became more interested in crime investigation, leading him to apply for the investigation team. In the same year, he requested to be transferred from Booysens to Louis Trichardt SAPS. He was again promoted to the rank of inspector in 2001.

At the time of his death, Mthombeni was still serving as an Inspector and was due to be promoted to the rank of captain.

On behalf of the Makhado SAPS, Insp Daniel Mbhazima Ndlovu said Mthombeni’s death is a huge loss to the SAPS across the country. “We will miss him and it will be difficult to replace him with someone of his calibre. He will be remembered for his loyalty, ability, respect, cleanliness, friendliness to his seniors and colleagues,” he said.

Mthombeni will be buried at Riverplaats on Saturday. He is survived by his wife, Tintswalo Eunice Mthombeni, two sisters, three brothers and his mother.