Two KwaZulu-Natal suspects arrested for murder of pregnant teacher

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal has made another breakthrough in the brutal killing of a pregnant woman, managing to put the cuffs on two suspects for their alleged role in the crime.

Body burnt beyond recognition

The body of Hlengiwe Ndaba, a teacher from Winterton, was discovered in a burnt vehicle in July.

“It is alleged that on 23 July 2020 at 07:30, a burnt bakkie was found with human remains at Winterton area. The body was burnt beyond recognition and the vehicle had bullet holes”, said police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala in a statement on Sunday, 6 September 2020.

“A post-mortem revealed the remains were that of a woman who (was) eight months pregnant. She was identified as 35-year-old Ndaba through DNA analysis”, Gwala added.

Ndaba’s colleague arrested

If the police’s claims are anything to go by, a case of workplace conflict might have turned bloody as another teacher, who worked with the victim at the same school, was arrested earlier in September.

“The team worked tirelessly to make sure that the killers are brought to book. On 1 September 2020, they managed to make a breakthrough when a 37-year-old woman was arrested at Estcourt area for alleged murder. She appeared before the Weenen Magistrate’s Court on 4 September 2020. She was remanded in custody until 10 September 2020.  The accused was a teacher at the same school as the deceased”, she further said.

Second suspect due to appear in court

Meanwhile a 46-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, 3 September 2020, also in connection to the murder. The suspect is expected to appear before the Weenen Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 7 September 2020.

At this point, the circumstances surrounding Ndaba’s killing remain unclear, as well as how both the suspects fit into the picture.

The KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has welcomed the arrest of the suspects.

“It is disturbing to learn that a woman is involved in the killing of another. We are convinced that detectives will present a water tight docket at court to secure convictions for the loss of innocent lives”, Jula said.

Armed robbers appear in court

Four suspects were set to appear before the KwaMsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 7, 2020 for charges of robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. This comes after a truck driver was attacked when he parked his truck on the N2 freeway at Mfekayi on 3 September 2020.

“The suspects emerged from the bushes and attacked him with a bush knife injuring him in the hand. He fled leaving the truck behind on the road. The suspects chased him and he disappeared in the bushes and hid until the morning. The suspects took three cellphones, clothes and other items before fleeing the scene”, police said.