The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Lieutenant Colonel Sikhetho Mawila (63), who was found murdered in an open field in Tsakane on Monday, 8 January 2024.
He was attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Durban and formed part of the Hawks’ Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Investigation team.
It is believed that Lieutenant Colonel Mawila left his place of residence in Tsakane at about 14h00 Saturday, 6 January 2024, travelling to Durban where he works, in his private vehicle, a blue Kia sedan. The member informed his family before embarking on the journey that he would pass by a filling station in Heidelberg to fill up (petrol) before making his way to Durban. The family became concerned an hour later, when they were unable to reach him on both his private and official cell phones. They later reported him as a missing person.
On Monday, 8 January 2024, information was received by Tsakane SAPS about a body that was found by a passer-by in an open field in Tsakane extension 19. On arrival at the scene police found the body of an African male which sustained head injuries, two gunshot wounds and three stab wounds. The deceased was positively identified as Lieutenant Colonel Sikheto Mawila by members of his family.
A case of murder, kidnapping and hijacking was opened at Hlanganani police station. No arrests have yet been made and the investigation continues.
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya has directed a multi-disciplinary team to investigate the murder case to ensure that those responsible are apprehended. He further expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and his colleagues.
