Two arrested over KZN shooting
2011-12-03 08:09
Johannesburg - Sundumbili police have traced and arrested two men in connection with the murder of a Hlungwini businesswoman.
Ntombenhle Luthuli was at home with her 14-year-old son on Wednesday night when five men stormed into the house.
She was found dead by her son with a gunshot wound in her chest and clutching a knife.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said: "The police, with the assistance of the local Chief Zulu started an operation to trace the suspects and one suspect, aged 17, was arrested in the nearby homestead on Thursday afternoon."
He said that investigations had also led to the second suspect's residence.
"The 22-year-old suspect pointed a firearm at the police.
"They ordered him to drop the firearm, but he refused. The police shot at him."
Zwane said that the man fled on foot and fell over a cliff whilst trying to evade arrest, but he was later arrested.
"The police found two firearms in his possession and two live rounds of ammunition.
"He sustained a gunshot wound to his lower body and was taken to hospital under police guard," said Zwane.
One of Luthuli's attackers, Zamokuhle Xulu, also from the neighbourhood, was found stabbed to death.
Zwane said that it was believed that Luthuli hadfought back during the attack and had stabbed Xulu.
"The 14-year-old boy was placed with family members and he is also to receive trauma counselling," Zwane said.
The two firearms found in possession of the second man were, according to police records, taken during two separate house robbery incidents in the Sundumbili area, Zwane said.
"... [the firearms] will be sent to SAPS Ballistics to determine whether they have been used during any other crime in the country."
The two men face charges of house robbery and murder. The second man will be also be charged for the pointing of a firearm and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
They will appear in court on December 5.
Zwane said it appeared as if the motive for the attack had been robbery as Luthuli had operated a tuck shop from her house.
- SAPA
