Two More Suspects Arrested in CPF Member Bonginkosi Mbatha Murder Case
Police have arrested two more suspects allegedly linked to the murder of Community Policing Forum (CPF) member Bonginkosi Mbatha, bringing the number of people arrested in connection with the killing to three.
The latest arrests followed an intelligence driven operation conducted by Zululand District police on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.
Mbatha, 51, from the Sizana area in Ceza, was shot and killed at his home on 6 May 2026.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two 30 year old suspects believed to be connected to the murder.
According to KwaZulu Natal police spokesperson Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo, the first suspect was arrested in the Hlobane area, where he had allegedly gone to visit his girlfriend.
The suspect then allegedly led police to the KwaMnyathi area, where officers recovered a firearm and ammunition that had reportedly been hidden there.
Further investigation led police to a second suspect, who was arrested at a hideout in Ulundi.
“The suspects will be joining a 25 year old man who was arrested immediately after Mbatha was killed. They are expected to appear before the Vryheid Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 12 August 2026,” said Ngcobo.
Investigation Continues
The arrests mark another development in the investigation into Mbatha’s death, but police say their work is far from over.
Ngcobo said investigators are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding the murder and that additional charges could be added as the investigation progresses.
The firearm and ammunition recovered during the operation have also been handed over for further investigation.
According to Ngcobo, the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to establish whether they can be linked to Mbatha’s murder or any other criminal activity.
The three suspects are expected to face the court as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the killing of the CPF member.
Their appearance before the Vryheid Magistrates’ Court could provide the next significant development in a case that has remained under investigation since Mbatha was gunned down at his home in May.
