Closure for family as traffic officer's killer gets life term

A KWAZULU-NATAL family received closure this week when the killer of KwaDukuza traffic officer, Senior Superintendent Arumugam (Desmond) Marimuthoo, was sentenced to life imprisonment.

- TASCHICA PILLAY and NOMONDE ZONDI

The Durban High Court sentenced Philakahle Dladla, 27, to life imprisonment for the murder of Marimuthoo.

Marimuthoo, 50, a father of three from Tongaat, was killed on November 4, 2024 in Groutville, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

On that fateful morning, Marimuthoo was carrying out his duties when he spotted a minibus taxi blocking the road in Groutville. Upon approaching the driver, Marimuthoo learned they were in the midst of a robbery.

Whilst Marimuthoo was reversing his vehicle the suspect fired several shots hitting Marimuthoo and ultimately resulting in his death on the scene.

The suspect, who was later identified as Dladla drove the taxi towards Thembeni township with the passengers inside. He robbed the terrified passengers of their belongings before making his escape on foot.

A case of murder and armed robbery was reported at KwaDukuza police station, leading to an intensive investigation by the Hawks members from Durban Serious Organised Crime.

Within a week, investigators managed to pinpoint Dladla's whereabouts in Melmoth, where a swift apprehension occurred.