Two suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 26-year-old medical student, identified as Wiseman Mthunzi Zwane who was about to complete his clinical training at Free State University. One of the suspects, aged 18 has appeared at the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court yesterday, 11 July 2022 facing the said charges. However the other suspect, aged 17 will appear in court soon.

According to the information, on Wednesday, 06 July 2022, members of the community found the victim’s body in a river at Nhlazatshe with stab wounds then alerted the police.

On Friday 08 July 2022, the police at Elukwatini were led to the suspects after conducting their investigation. The police followed up on some leads and firstly arrested the 18-year-old suspect at Nhlazatshe while the second suspect (17-year-old minor) is currently under police guard in hospital after being apparently assaulted by members of the community prior to his arrest.

Police cannot rule out the possibility of making more arrests in this matter as the investigation progresses. During the court appearance, the matter was postponed until 19 July 2022 for a formal bail application.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended the police for making headway in this matter. “A young life was violently cut short by criminals and the nation as well as the entire world has been robbed of a young star who could possibly bring solutions to health challenges that we face today. Be as it may, we welcome the arrest of the suspects with the hope that justice will be served for the family of the victim” lamented the General.