THE man who allegedly killed his 22-year-old girlfriend on Valentine’s Day after she ended their affair was yesterday morning surrendered to the Buhleni Police Station by his family.
Sibusiso Dlamini, 29, of Lonhlalane was wanted in connection with the alleged brutal murder of 22-year-old Siphumelele Nkentjane of Manjengeni under Mhlangatane Inkhundla.
According to highly placed sources, he was handed over to the Buhleni police after relatives persuaded him to return from Magudu in South Africa, where he had allegedly fled following the incident.
He had been on the run since Saturday after allegedly stabbing Nkentjane multiple times in the head and neck with a knife.
Following the incident, the police launched a manhunt and appealed to members of the public for assistance in locating him.
The suspect’s uncle, Abel Dlamini, said Sibusiso disappeared from his home at Lonhlalane after the incident and was also not seen at Manjengeni, where he had been staying with his mother’s family.
“Ever since we heard about the murder, we tried to call him. Sometimes his phone was switched off but at times we managed to reach him,” Dlamini explained.
He added that whenever they spoke to him, the family pleaded with him to return home so that they could help him face the consequences of his actions.
“We later learned that he was at Magudu, South Africa, which is close to Eswatini as we were still able to reach him through the local network,” he said.
On the morning of his surrender, the family contacted him again and urged him to return.
“He eventually returned to his aunt’s home at Ndvwabangeni where some of his brothers were. I then instructed them to take him and surrender him to the Buhleni Police Station,” Dlamini said.
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One of the suspect’s brothers who drove him to the station confirmed that Sibusiso cooperated fully.
“He did not resist or fight us. We simply took him to the police station and surrendered him. He appeared shocked,” he said.
Acting Chief Police Information and Communication Officer Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze confirmed the arrest.
“I can confirm that the suspect has been arrested after being surrendered by his relatives. Investigations are ongoing,” said Ndzimandze.
Suspect’s family to assist with funeral costs
THE suspect’s family has pledged to assist in the burial of Siphumelele Nkentjane, who was allegedly killed by Sibusiso Dlamini.
The deceased stayed with the Mahlalela family from her mother’s side. Abel Dlamini, representing the suspect’s family, said the two families met on Sunday to discuss the incident and its aftermath.
“We resolved that we will also help with the funeral costs,” said Dlamini. He explained that the Dlamini family would still meet to determine their exact contribution.
“We will continue to liaise with the Mahlalela family regarding the funeral arrangements,” he said.
Dlamini strongly condemned his nephew’s actions, saying the family was shocked by the news.
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“In his upbringing, he was not a violent or troublesome child. The whole family was left in shock when we heard that he had committed such an offence,” he said.
He further appealed for peace and unity between the two families, noting that they come from the same constituency and are related.
“None of us ever imagined that something like this could happen,” he said.
Gcinile Mahlalela, aunt to the deceased, also confirmed that the two families had reached an understanding.
“We have met with the Dlamini family and they promised to share the burden of the funeral with us during this difficult time,” she said.
