Suspect linked to 2020 murder of school principal killed during shootout with police

A 40-year-old suspect linked to the 2020 murder of Msinga school principal Zwelabantu Zuma was shot dead during a shootout with police in Soweto on Sunday afternoon.

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A 40-year-old suspect linked to the 2020 murder of Msinga school principal Zwelabantu Zuma was shot dead during a shootout with the police in Soweto on Sunday afternoon.

The police confirmed that members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) tracked down the wanted suspect,who had been connected to the killing of Zuma,the principal of Samahashi High School,who was gunned down in his office in 2020.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspect was also wanted for several other cases,including carjacking and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“The suspect was previously arrested,but the case was withdrawn. The relentless investigator presented new evidence,and a J50 warrant of arrest was issued for the suspect.

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A 40-year-old suspect linked to the 2020 murder of Msinga school principal Zwelabantu Zuma was shot dead during a shootout with police in Soweto on Sunday afternoon.

SAPS/Supplied

“On Sunday afternoon,members of the NIU tracked down the suspect to a hostel in Mapetla,Soweto. The members were acting on three J50 warrants of arrest that were issued for the suspect. When the suspect noticed the presence of police,he began shooting,and the NIU returned fire,fatally wounding him,” she said.

Six men aged 26 to 38 were arrested in connection with Zuma’s murder. Two of the accused are already serving life sentences,while two others died before they could stand trial. One suspect remains at large,and the police are still searching for him.