Suspect linked to three murders in court

Police are pleased that a suspected hitman linked to several murders will have his day in court.

Sizwe Bebula, 39, who appeared in the Libode magistrate’s court on Wednesday, chose not to apply for bail.

He is accused of gunning down popular horse owner Anele Lutinto and Mhlontlo municipal official Thandile Mbono, who were both murdered in January 2020.

Lutinto was gunned down in the driveway of his Mbentsa home in Qumbu on January 9, and Mbono was shot dead while leaving his home in Ngolo village for work on the 24th.

Lutinto was the owner of horses Zinto and Khathaza’amanyamadoda, known across SA with 20 wins since 2018.

National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Bebula was arrested earlier in February in Grabouw, Western Cape, and charged with the murder of school principal Zanele Mfumbesi.

She was gunned down in September 2020.

Bebula appeared in the Grabouw magistrate’s court on February 11, where he also chose not to apply for bail.

Lutinto’s murder left a huge gap, and horse-racing has not been the same since. He had passion and grew the sport

He was in custody there when he was charged with the Qumbu and Libode murders.

His Libode case was postponed to May 28.

Provincial police spokesperson Col Sibongile Soci said for now the Qumbu case was withdrawn but “may be reinstated if there is new evidence”. The motive for the murders was unknown, she added.

“Thorough investigations linked the suspect to the murders and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

“On September 18 2020, the principal was driving when she was shot in Old Cape Road, Eersterivier.”

The Grabouw case has been postponed to March 30.

News of Bebula’s arrest was welcomed by the horse racing fraternity.

OR Tambo Horse-racing chair Malungelo Zulu Nohentshana said they were happy with the arrest.

“This has been painful to us all this while.

“It would make us happy if the right person has been arrested. It will bring an end to pointing fingers within racing.

“Lutinto’s murder left a huge gap, and horse-racing has not been the same since. He had passion and grew the sport.

“We want to know who did this. We want whoever did it to be locked away.”

Makhaya Komisa, spokesperson for Cogta MEC Xolile Nqatha, said: “We welcome the arrest and commend the police.”

Provincial police commissioner Lt-gen Liziwe Ntshinga praised the investigating team, supervised by Lt-col Nceba Mshiyo, for their sterling investigation.