The incident, involving the two constables aged 43 and 32, occurred at the Honeydew police cells in October 2019.

Murder

Constable Rudzani Ernest Marumo and Thabang Gerald Makgotla were each handed down a 14-year direct imprisonment sentence for the murder of Thando Gazu, a 40-year-old African male and 3 years for the assault.

It is alleged that Thando Gazu died after being assaulted and tortured inside the holding cells at Honeydew Police Station while his friend, Msizi Memela, was assaulted by the pair.

Arrest

Thando Gazu was certified dead whilst still in custody.

Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the police officials were arrested in 2019.

“The matter was subsequently transferred to the South Gauteng High Court for trial, where both were convicted on charges of murder and assault GBH. The 14-year and 3 – year sentences for each accused officer will run concurrently.”

Both officers were also declared unfit to possess a firearm by the South Gauteng High Court on 18 May 2026.

Supping said Ipid investigations are premised on thoroughness and quality.

As of the end of March 2026, Ipid secured 26 convictions for murder by police officers, while more than 179 murder cases were on the court rolls.

Police bail

Meanwhile, three South African Police Service (Saps) officials stationed at Pretoria West Police Station who were arrested on charges of corruption and extortion have been released on bail.

The 25‑year‑old Constable Lionel Macoba, 44‑year‑old Sergeant Vincent Messiah Ndhlovu and 38‑year‑old Sergeant Peaceful Evgenate Mnisi were each granted bail of R5 000 by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 May 2026.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the State did not oppose bail, as the accused were not considered flight risks.

The SAPS KZN Provincial Tracing Team had been tracking suspects linked to a case of kidnapping and fraud in Greenwood Park.

They were also suspected of being in possession of illegal guns.

The Hyundai they were travelling in was spotted by the police team on Milky Way – but the occupants allegedly opened fire and tried to escape.

A gunfight broke out, and the vehicle subsequently crashed.

Two guns and ammunition have been seized.

Emergency services, including ER24, the Fire Department and local police, responded to the scene where the burning vehicle has obstructed the road entirely. Motorists have been urged to avoid the area where possible as crews worked to manage the situation.

No injuries were reported. A single person was involved, car caught fire spontaneously.

The incident was cleared at 15:50.

The dramatic shake‑up comes just days after Ndhlela read out a controversial statement that triggered his removal.

MK party Secretary‑General Sibonelo Nomvalo announced the decision on Monday, 18 May, saying the party’s national officials had acted swiftly to restore order after the communication debacle.

Controversial statement

At the weekend, Ndhlela delivered a statement suggesting that the newly formed MK Institute would assume full control over the party’s leadership structures.

The announcement, read in the presence of senior officials, implied that the institute would “assume full responsibility for the political management and administration of the organisation” and that “all leadership structures of the party are now being subjected to and report to the institute”.

Claims rejected

Nomvalo rejected the claims outright, declaring the pronouncements “null and void” and stressing that they were “beyond the powers of the entity and unconstitutional”.

He said the statement did not reflect the views or decisions of the MK party’s national leadership.

“The national officials reflected on the media statement issued by the MK Institute on 16 of May, where certain pronouncements were made regarding the leadership architecture of the MK party, and also purported changes to the current constitutional leadership dispensation in the party,” Nomvalo said.

“The media statement does not reflect the views and decisions of the national leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe party. Members of the institute have accepted the guidance of national officials, that the statement was necessarily beyond the powers of the entity and unconstitutional,” Nomvalo said.

MK Institute

The MK Institute, announced on Saturday, was introduced as a body led by Deputy President Mandlakayise Hlophe and senior figures, including Ndhlela, General Manana, Oupa Mathebula, Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala and Lindelani Mbambo.

It was described as a structure to oversee governance frameworks, leadership structures and ideological education, while benchmarking global models and African schools of thought.

Integration

But Nomvalo confirmed that the institute will now be integrated into the broader organisational policy‑making machinery, reporting directly to the secretary‑general.

“The national leadership of uMkhonto weSizwe party has decided to integrate the institute into the broader organisational policy‑making machinery reporting to the secretary-general,” he said.

Ndhlela

Turning to Ndhlela’s departure, Nomvalo acknowledged his role in building the party’s media footprint but said the decision was unavoidable.

“The national officials also take this opportunity to thank comrade Nhlamulo Ndhlela, who held the fort as the inaugural national spokesperson of the party, as he steps down from the role of spokesperson both in the party and in parliament with immediate effect.

“His contribution in building the uMkhonto weSizwe party’s media and public footprint is highly appreciated,” Nomvalo said.

New spokesperson

Announcing Mahlangu’s appointment, Nomvalo described him as a seasoned professional who would strengthen the party’s communications.

“Comrade Sifiso Mahlangu is a highly experienced journalist and renowned media personality, and brings invaluable technical and professional insights to the party,” he said.

Mahlangu, an academic and former news editor, is expected to bring stability and credibility to the MK party’s messaging as it navigates internal tensions and external scrutiny.

This is footage from a April 2025 incident in Escambia County where armed intruders entered a home, leading the resident to retrieve and fire the rifle to protect himself, consistent with Florida’s Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws.

The video has resurfaced multiple times as a viral example of armed self-defense, sparking replies praising the homeowner’s actions, Florida’s legal protections, and warnings against home invasions in the state.

Fire department and SAPS are on scene. Motorists are urged to avoid the area and make use of alternative routes where possible.

This is a developing story.

The crash occurred when the state light motor vehicle the 39-year-old Lubisi and two colleagues were travellin in,  became involved in a side-swipe collision with an Audi SUV. After colliding with the SUV, the sedan lost control and was involved in a second side-swipe collision with a truck travelling on the same road.

At the time of the crash, the SUV was travelling from the direction of Schoemansdal. The incident occurred near the T-junction. Lubisi, who was a passenger in the sedan, was declared deceased at the scene. His two colleagues, the driver and passenger, sustained serious injuries and were taken to Medi-Clinic Mbombela for further medical care.

The MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Jackie Macie, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

The investigation into the crash is underway.

“This is a dark moment for law enforcement. It is especially painful because traffic law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to prevent deadly crashes, only for some to lose their lives on the road,” said MEC Macie.

“We appeal to his peers not to be demotivated by this untimely loss, but to continue working to prevent crashes by enforcing the law.”

The MEC also wished the injured colleagues a speedy recovery.

ENDS.

Issued by:
Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Mpumalanga Provincial Government

According to police, the man has been charged with defeating the ends of justice.

In November last year, Mogotsi claimed there was an attempt on his life with multiple gunshots fired at the car he was travelling in.

Police said investigations have now linked the gun used in that incident to other crimes.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the firearm used in the commission of the crime has also been linked to other serious and violent crimes, including cases of murder and attempted murder. The suspect is expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on Monday the 18th of May,” said police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe.

The incident has caused mixed reactions online. As the police have now been involved. Media reports states that they are been searched for and that it wont end well.

Some comments says they will be shocked over the turn of events as this might lead to prison

According to reports, the man allegedly stabbed the driver of a cash-in-transit vehicle near a shopping complex before security guards opened fire on him. It is further alleged that he was later run over by a vehicle during the incident.

The family is now demanding action against the security guards, saying an innocent person lost his life