Chief Tikhontele arrested on allegations of son’s murder

MBABANE – Chief Tikhontele Dlamini of kaLomshiyo Umphakatsi has been arrested in connection with his son’s alleged murder and spent the weekend in police custody.

The 80-year-old suspected chief was arrested at Sharlock, Low’s Creek outside Nelspruit in connection with the alleged murder of his son Zwelithini Dlamini, who was murdered at the age of 49 years.

Chief Tikhontele becomes the latest traditional leader to be arrested on allegations of murder of a family member.

Chief Tikhontele follows Chief Mfukama Mndzebele of Mkhitsini, who is still fighting for his liberation after he was accused of allegedly gunning down his close relative Mlondi Mndzebele.

TERRITORY

While Chief Tikhontele’s territory is between Eswatini and the Republic of South Africa, Chief Mfukama was also serving as the President at the Eswatini National Court in Nhlangano. Chief Tikhontele was arrested last week Friday, November 4, 2022, and appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrates Court on Monday, November 7, where he applied for bail which was granted .

The chief was arrested and accused of allegedly orchestrating a hit on his son, who was shot and killed while having a meal with his friends at his home on January 4, 2021.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) Provincial Police Spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the victim was shot and killed at his home in Matsulu near Nelspruit in the evening. Mdhluli further confirmed that Chief Tikhontele appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrates Court on Monday facing a murder charge.

Mdhluli disclosed that the Chief was granted R7 000 bail and remanded to December 12, 2022, for a regional court date.

The colonel disclosed that after Dlamini was murdered, a team of investigators were assembled to probe the case. He said members of the investigative team worked tirelessly and spent sleepless nights on the case.

Mdhluli said the arrest of the chief follows months of intensive investigation into the case.

REGRETTABLE

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe said it was regrettable to see a respected leader arrested in connection to murder. Though it must be noted that the veracity of the allegations are still to be tested in the court of law.

“This is an indication that no one is above the law. While we await due processes to unfold, it is saddening and deeply regrettable for such allegations to be levelled against a leader like Tikhontele in the first place,” said Shongwe.

He further applauded the police in the province under the leadership of SAPS, Provincial Commissioner Lt.General Semakaleng Manamela for their continued efforts and commitment in solving crime cases regardless of who was involved.

The MEC further said such also helped to restore the communities’ faith in the work of the security cluster. Shongwe further said leaders at all levels of society are expected to play a role in crime prevention and the protection of communities.

“We are, therefore, calling on traditional leaders across the province to work with us in the fight against crime and not abuse their positions to commit a crime or even protect crime suspects,” said Shongwe.

Tikhontele is regarded as the Chief of the kaLomshiya Tribal Authority near Matsulu.

He is also regarded as the traditional leader in northern Hhohho under Eswatini.

Residents of Lomshiyo in northern Hhohho when visited confirmed that they heard about their chief’s arrest. The residents, who preferred not to be named, said news of the chief’s arrest started circulating on Friday. They further disclosed that they were all aware of the chief’s cross-border role as a number of residents also have families who are on the South African side.

THE AG’S OFFICE RESPONSIBLE - MINISTER

The Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala declined to comment on the issue referring inquiries to the Attorney General’s (AG) Office.

“When chiefs are faced with challenges that need legal assistance it is only the office of the AG that provides such legal assistance,” said Ngcamphalala.

Efforts to get comment from AG Sifiso Khumalo proved futile. Meanwhile, Traditional Governor Indvuna Lusendvo Fakudze said he was not aware of the arrest of the chief as it had not yet been reported to him.