Durban – A 27-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Ilembe District Secretary Zanele Mbhamali and her husband following a shooting in KwaZulu-Natal last month.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrest was made by the KwaZulu-Natal Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) after an investigation into the attack.
Police identified the suspect as Velile Ntshangase, 27, from Mahlabathini.
“The suspect, Velile Ntshangase (27), from Mahlabathini, appeared before the Ndwedwe District Court on 27 July 2026 on two counts of attempted murder. The matter was remanded to 03 August 2026 for the accused to secure legal representation,” the statement said.
According to police, the shooting took place on the night of 23 June 2026.
“It is alleged that Ms Mbhamali and her husband were travelling home along Road P100 towards Ndwedwe when unknown suspects opened fire on their vehicle,” SAPS said.
The Political Killings Task Team took over the investigation on 10 July and quickly made progress.
“Members of the KZN Political Killings Task Team received the docket on 10 July 2026 and immediately commenced investigations, which led to the arrest of Ntshangase,” police said.
Investigators also revealed that another suspect linked to the case is deceased.
“Further investigations revealed that a second suspect linked to the case was shot and killed by unknown assailants at his residence on 29 June 2026 after returning home from work,” SAPS said.
Police have not disclosed a motive for the attack, and investigations are continuing.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
