Another arrest made in the murder case of Constable Oscar Makhathini
Durban — Almost seven months since Nkanyiso Mazibuko, 25, was sentenced to spend 25 years in prison for killing Constable Oscar Makhathini, 37, his accomplice, Sihle Kubheka, has finally been arrested.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) executed a warrant of arrest for Kubheka, 30, this week.
KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo said Kubheka has been charged with Makhathini’s murder. He appeared briefly at Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
“Kubheka was in custody for possession of an unlicensed firearm which happened in the Gauteng province,” Mhlongo said.
“He was remanded in custody and the case was postponed to October 25, 2024.”
Makhathini, who was stationed at Amangwe police station in Estcourt, was shot by Mazibuko on February 17, 2024.
It is alleged that Makhathini was off-duty when he noticed Mazibuko and his accomplices robbing a tuckshop. He suddenly drew his service pistol and tried to intervene. During the process, he was shot and he responded. Makhathini was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
A murder and armed robbery case was reported at Estcourt police station. The case docket was allocated to DPCI- Hawks for intensive investigation.
Officers received information that Mazibuko was also shot during the incident and was hospitalised. Officers went to the hospital and arrested him. He was charged with murder and armed robbery.
Mazibuko was sentenced on March 28, to 25 years imprisonment for the murder of Makhathini. He was further sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery. His sentences will run concurrently.
Last month, during Police Safety Month, the South African Police Service paid tribute to Makhathini, where they interviewed his cousin and a colleague.
Makhathini was unmarried and left a young child, aged 4, when he died.
Makhathini’s cousin, whose name is unknown, described him as a dedicated person who was respected by the community and always willing to help.
“I took in Oscar when he was a child. I took four of them as siblings. I raised them since they had nowhere else to live,” his cousin said.
“It would be said that he apprehends criminals.
“Even in the community, Oscar was helpful. People would send their children who struggled with substance abuse and did wrongful things, and he would sit with them and advise them.”
His cousin also said Makhathini was respectful, which is something he liked about him.
“His death has left a huge void. He was like my child, my child. His death affected me deeply,” his cousin said, tearing up.
Makhathini was appointed to the SAPS on March 1, 2016.
Meanwhile, in August when releasing the crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year and the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu touched on police killings.
A total of 21 officers were killed in the first quarter (16 off-duty and 5 on-duty officers), with the largest number of officers being from the Eastern Cape (5), KZN (4) and Western Cape (4).
“We will ensure that our personnel receive the support and resources they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Their courage and resilience must be matched by our commitment to their safety,” Mchunu said.
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