Suspected Mastermind in Loyiso Nkohla Murder Dies in Police Custody

The investigation into the assassination of well-known activist Loyiso Nkohla took a dramatic turn when a 39-year-old suspect, believed to be the orchestrator of the murder, was found dead in police custody at the East London holding cells. According to official reports, the suspect was due to appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on the morning of Friday, but passed away from an apparent heart attack.

An operation by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team had led to the arrest of the suspect in Peddie, Ngqushwa Local Municipality, on November 16, 2023. Although the identity of the suspect has not been officially disclosed, sources confirmed that he was suspected of being the central figure in plotting the killing of Nkohla.

Loyiso Nkohla was tragically killed in an ambush at Philippi railway station in Cape Town on April 17, with the murder believed to be connected to his active involvement in facilitating the clearance of Metrorail’s Central Line, which had been obstructed by illegally constructed homes.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi confirmed that the suspect died of natural causes and dismissed suspicions of foul play, stating that the death was due to a heart attack. In line with protocols involving deaths in custody, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been tasked with probing the circumstances of the suspect's demise.

The case had seen the earlier arrests of Zukisa Tshabile, 38, and Mziyanda Mdlungu, 38, the latter being apprehended in Katlehong, Tshwane. These arrests painted a picture of a broader conspiracy involving multiple actors tasked with executing Nkohla's murder.

It is alleged that Tshabile, Mdlungu, and two other accomplices, who are still at large, were contracted as hitmen in this chilling episode. The deceased mastermind suspect, reportedly a security company owner, was incriminated through evidence found in cellphone and financial records.

Loyiso Nkohla's activism, notably leading the 2013 "poo protests" alongside former ANC councillor Andile Lili, brought him into the national spotlight. These protests were a dramatic form of dissent against the inadequate sanitation facilities for residents in Khayelitsha and culminated in an incident at Cape Town International Airport that resulted in charges under the Civil Aviation Act.

Nkohla’s murder is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by activists in South Africa and has sent shockwaves throughout the community. His death, and now that of the suspect, leaves many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.