Suspect Charged in Fatal Shooting of an Off-Duty Police Officer in Nelspruit

In a tragic turn of events, the community of Nelspruit is grappling with a violent incident that led to the untimely deaths of two individuals, including an off-duty police constable, Richard Thando Thani. The accused, Leonard Manzini, age 37, made his first appearance before the Nkomazi Magistrate's Court in Tonga, after a shootout in Kamhlushwa that resulted not only in fatalities but also left two others wounded.

The incident occurred on the night of Friday, 26th July 2024, when Constable Thani was at a local liquor store. Amidst the social atmosphere, his mobile phone was reportedly lost or stolen. Thani's demand for the return of his phone failed to yield results, which allegedly led him to leave and return armed with a firearm.

The tension escalated into a violent confrontation when Manzini is alleged to have disarmed Thani, subsequently leading to a deadly shootout where Thani and an unidentified male were killed. Two other men caught in the crossfire were injured and received medical treatment.

Swift action by the Police at Kamhlushwa led to Manzini's arrest at the scene and the recovery of a state firearm believed to be used in the incident. Authorities charged Manzini with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, reflecting the severity of the altercation.

At the court session today, the hearing concluded with a postponement to Monday, 5th August 2024, to allow time for a formal bail application. Manzini remains in custody until then. The case has caused outrage and sorrow within the community, prompting a strong response from law enforcement officials.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi publicly denounced the incident and applauded the swift arrest. He announced an internal investigation to understand the circumstances that led to a SAPS member attending a liquor outlet while armed, signifying the seriousness with which this flagrant disregard for protocol is being treated.

The loss felt by the Nelspruit community serves as a harsh reminder of the potential volatility of disputes when firearms are involved, particularly when they end up in unauthorized hands. The SAPS is currently prioritizing the investigation and ensuring all protocols are followed to provide justice to the victims and their families.