Crime intelligence officer convicted for obstructing justice in ANC councillor murder case

CRIME intelligence police officer, Thulani Obed Thango acted with “direct intent” to obstruct the arrest of a former ANC councillor by hiding him for hours on December 21, 2018.

- NOMONDE ZONDI

eThekwini former councillor, Mthokozisi Nojiyeza, was wanted by the members of the National Political Task team for the murder of Mlazi councillor Sibusiso Maphumulo on December 21.

Nojiyeza is also an accused in the R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender fraud case against former mayor of eThekwini, Zandile Gumede.

Magistrate Jackie Jonk found Thango to have collaborated with Nojiyeza's lawyer, Lunga Peter (who died during the trial), to prevent Nojiyeza's apprehension. Nojiyeza had sought legal assistance on Zandile Gumede's advice because he was wanted.

On December 21, Nojiyeza was picked up from his Umlazi home by his metro police bodyguards, constables Ayanda Gumede and Javin Mgwaba.

They drove him to a restaurant on Victoria Embankment for a meeting with Thango and another individual. After this meeting, Nojiyeza joined Thango in a silver-grey Toyota Etios, with his bodyguards following, to consult with Peter on Churchill Road, Morningside.

Constable Gumede noted that the Etios had blue lights, was driving fast, and was skipping traffic lights.