The family of a lawyer who was gunned down outside his house is hopeful to get justice for his murder after a suspect was arrested almost nine months after the incident.
Tshianeo Munyai, 30, made his appearance before the Malamulele magistrates’ court in Limpopo yesterday.
He became the fifth person to be implicated in the killing of Collins Chabane local municipality mayor Moses Maluleke in July. He was also wanted for the murder of James Manwadu, a lawyer who was attached to Legal Aid SA. For the Manwandu family, Munyai’s arrest came as a relief as months had passed without them knowing whether they would get justice for his death.
Family spokesperson Christina Manwadu said Manwadu was killed at about 7pm on Sunday January 16 after returning home from visiting friends. Manwadu, a father of four children aged between 11 and 21 years, had gone to church at 11am that morning and left his home around 2pm to spend time with his friends in the area.
He was shot at least eight times while trying to open his gate upon returning to his home in Maniini Block K, outside Thohoyandou, while his wife and children were inside the house. He died on the scene.
Christina said she was shocked when she received a phone call that Manwadu had been shot and went to the family house not far from where she stays.
Christina said not a day had passed without the family being haunted by his murder and searching for answers as to who wanted him dead.
“We are happy to hear that there has been an arrest and now we want to see justice because we were robbed of a father figure,” she said. Manwadu's wife and children have been struggling to cope since the incident.
Christina said she had been following the news of Maluleke’s case in Xikundu, some 45km away from where her family stays, but she never imagined that the two crimes could have been committed by the same person.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, Munyai is believed to have been part of a group of criminals, including four others who were previously arrested in connection with Maluleke’s death, who were terrorising residents around the Vhembe district.
They were linked to a spate of crimes such as armed robberies, murders, rapes and hijackings. Munyai is facing at least 13 counts.
Mojapelo said the arrests were made by members of the Vhembe task team who were following up leads on violent crimes in the area.
He said further information was obtained through the four suspects who were arrested in connection to Maluleke’s murder. All five are expected to appear in court next week.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.