Suspect in cyclist’s murder arrested after 13 years
MBOMBELA - The Hawks’ serious and organised crime investigation unit made a breakthrough in the 2007 murder of former South African cycling champion, Etienne van Wyk, who was 29 years old at the time of his death.
He was killed 13 years ago at his Steiltes home and is reported to have been tortured and murdered. The case remained unsolved until the SAPS arrested a suspect in Elukwatini on November 12.
After his first court appearance, the suspect was identified as 42-yearold Mafika Ronnie Nkosi, who was subsequently remanded in police custody.
Nkosi was denied bail after appearing in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on November 23, after the more than a decade-long investigation into Van Wyk’s brutal murder.
According to the Hawks’ spokesperson, Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, Nkosi is believed to have gained entry to Van Wyk’s Sputnik Street home by cutting a hole in the backyard fence.
His gardener and domestic worker’s suspicions were raised when Van Wyk did not open the gate when they reported for work the following day.
Denise Rabie, who had been employed by the slain cyclist at the time, discovered his body in the dining room.
There appeared to be multiple wounds inflicted on his head and body and an investigation into the crime scene revealed that he had been strangled.
The suspect left the scene empty-handed as no valuables appeared to have been stolen.
“The case was investigated by the local detectives until it was handed over to the Hawks after which Nkosi was linked through forensic evidence. The team traced and arrested him based on the information the investigation unearthed,” said Sekgotodi.
Maj Gen Zodwa Mokoena, the provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commended the Hawks, the Elukwatini detectives and the local criminal record centre for their collaborative efforts to ensure that the case did not grow cold after such a long period.
Albert Gryvenstein of Bossies Community Justice extended his appreciation for the police’s efforts in tracking down and arresting the suspect.
“The latest development in this case is indicative of the police’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book. It took a tremendous amount of dedication and effort by the police and shows the care taken to ensure that justice is served, irrespective of how long it takes to solve crime,” he said.
The case against Nkosi was postponed to December 11.
Mokoena urged local law enforcement departments to continue working together to ensure that crime in the province is dealt a decisive blow.