Fourth suspect arrested for murder of Loysio Nkohla Mabandla

The Hawks are making good progress in connection with the murder of activist, Loysio Nkohla Mabandla, as a fourth suspect has been arrested.

Mabandla was killed in a hail of bullets at Philippi railway station in April 2023. It is believed that Mabandla was targeted for his role in talks to clear Metrorail's Central Line, where families had built their homes.

PHOTO: Loyiso Nkohla Mabandla

The Hawks’ Siyabulela Vukubi said officers arrested the 41-year-old suspect on Monday, and will appear in an East London court on Tuesday.

‘’The suspect was traced and apprehended in Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape where he was appearing in court for an unrelated matter. The suspect is expected to appear in transit in the East London Magistrate's Court on 28 November 2023 thereafter he will appear in the Athlone Magistrate's Court on 01 December 2023 where he will be joining his co- accused Mziyanda Mdlungu,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi.

The suspect, now identified as Mzubanzi Luyanda Chulayo, has since appeared in court. The Hawks previously requested the help of the public to help trace Chulayo.

PHOTO - Hawks:  Mzubanzi Luyanda Chulayo

Bush Radio News previously reported that a second suspect, Mziyanda Mdlungu, intends to apply for bail on 1 December when he reappears at the Athlone Magistrate's Court. A third suspect - a 39-year-old man - who was supposed to appear in the East London Magistrates Court on 17 November 2023, was found dead in the holding cells, after suffering from a heart attac.

The case against the first suspect, 38-year-old Zukisa Tshabile, has been postponed for further investigation, to 15 February 2024. Tshabile decided to abandon his bail application.

Done By: Mitchum George

*THIS BLOG WAS UPDATED ON 28 NOVEMBER 2023, AS THE SUSPECT, MZUBANZI CHULAYO APPEARED IN COURT.