A 32-year-old woman of Mvembili has been shot dead, allegedly by her 67-year-old admirer.
Mother of two, Thobile Dlamini was shot twice in the head by the pensioner who is now behind bars.
Sourced claimed that the incident occurred around 5:30pm on Monday. Earlier that afternoon, Dlamini and the suspect were at the same drinking spot at Mhambi, though not seated together. Dlamini later left for home and the suspect reportedly followed her.
At the homestead, the suspect gave money to Dlamini’s brother, sending him back to the drinking spot for more alcohol. It is said soon after, neighbours heard an argument followed by two gunshots and screams.
Community members rushed to the scene and found Dlamini lying in a pool of blood, while the 67-year-old fled.
Family members clarified that the deceased was not in a romantic relationship with the suspect, despite his claims. Her cousin who runs a food stall near the drinking spot claimed; “she never agreed to any relationship. He just treated her as his girlfriend, buying her gifts and food.” The cousin recalled that the day before the shooting, the suspect claimed that he had been chased away from Dlamini’s home by a lad.
On Monday morning he returned to her shop asking about Dlamini, accusing her of betrayal. She reminded him that they were not a couple and that Dlamini was free to date men her age, but he got angry and allegedly began monitoring her movements.
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Later that afternoon, Dlamini told her cousin she was heading home to wash her children’s school uniforms. The suspect learnt that she had gone home and followed her. Shortly afterward, residents heard the fatal gunshots.
Police were alerted and community members searched nearby bushes and the Mlumati River, but the suspect was not found. He allegedly fled with two of Dlamini’s phones, including a Samsung A04. Police later transported her body to the mortuary, but the suspect was not arrested that day.
On Tuesday morning following a tip-off, police arrested the man who allegedly shot dead Dlamini.
He was found around Mgubudla Bridge, according to the deceased’s relative. Dlamini’s cousin claimed the suspect contacted his relative with whom he had a joint dagga farming with. “The relative was aware that the suspect was wanted by the police in connection with the killing. So he hatched a plan to meet with him while alerting the police who swiftly arrived and arrested him.” Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the arrest.
“We can confirm that the suspect linked to the murder of a woman at Mvembili has been arrested. He was apprehended on Tuesday morning,” she said.
