Namhla Mtwa murder case: WhatsApp leaks, police delays fuel frustration over justice

More than four years after Namhla Mtwa was shot dead outside her home in Mthatha, her family is still waiting for answers, with delays in the investigation continuing to raise questions about the handling of the case.

Mtwa was gunned down nine times in the driveway of her home in Sidwadwa View, Mthatha, on 21 April 2022. Allegations later emerged that she was trying to leave an abusive relationship with her long-term partner, a prominent local businessman and influential African National Congress (ANC) member. No one has been arrested in connection with her murder.

The case came under renewed scrutiny after Eastern Cape Major General Mary Motsepe appeared before the Madlanga Commission, where she said she had appointed two experienced investigators who were familiar with the case and indicated that an arrest was expected.

Motsepe also told the commission that the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT) had previously encountered two attempts by the alleged suspect to prevent an arrest through court interdicts. Both applications were dismissed by the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.

The matter was subsequently transferred to Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya, who has since been suspended.

After an attempt to disband the PKTT was unsuccessful, the dockets were returned to Motsepe. Instead of simply continuing with the task team’s previous investigative work, Motsepe reportedly instructed the two investigators she had appointed to restart the investigation.

The handling of the case has now come under further scrutiny following the emergence of alleged WhatsApp conversations between Sibiya and Namhla’s sister, Sanga.

The leaked messages appear to show the family repeatedly seeking information about the investigation, while allegedly receiving little or no response from the senior police official.

Sanga later shared the conversations publicly, expressing the family’s frustration over what they described as prolonged silence from the police.

Speaking about the matter, Sanga said Namhla’s case had remained with Sibiya for an extended period and that the family had repeatedly attempted to establish who was leading the investigation.

“As you know, Namhla’s case was taken to Sibiya and it stayed there, I don’t know for how long. We tried to get the name of the lead investigating officer from him but he ignored us,” she said.

Sanga said the family was now encouraged by the return of the case to the PKTT and the regular communication they were receiving.

“At the moment we are delighted that Namhla’s case is back in the hands of the PKTT and every week we are getting an update. We are positive that the suspect will be arrested soon,” she said.

The renewed attention on the case comes as the Mtwa family continues to demand accountability and an arrest in a murder that has remained unresolved for years.

Vision6000.co.zw contacted SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe for comment on the investigation and the allegations surrounding the handling of the case. She had not responded to the messages and calls at the time of publication.