Prince Gift Mdluli, wanted for the murder of a South African police officer, has finally been captured after nearly two months on the run.
Mdluli had been evading authorities since January 16, 2025, when Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59), the commander of the Ermelo Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, was executed-style shot in Ermelo, Mpumalanga.
Following the murder, six suspects were linked to the crime. Former police officer Mthobisi Nkosi, Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, Aubrey Xaba, Valencia Skhosana, and Nyiko Mujovo were arrested within 12 hours by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit. However, Mdluli remained on the run until he was finally apprehended on March 8, 2025, at a clothing store in Komatipoort. Witnesses say he was wearing worn-out clothes at the time of his arrest.
Mdluli is expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court in the coming days to face murder charges. Meanwhile, four of his co-accused abandoned their bail applications on February 18 and are scheduled for their next court appearance on April 10. The only accused seeking bail, Valencia Skhosana, had her application postponed to March 12.
Residents of the South Coast, where Mdluli was falsely rumored to be a cannibal, expressed relief at his capture. The community had been gripped by fear, believing he had committed horrific crimes beyond the police officer’s murder.
Authorities continue investigating the case as Mdluli remains in custody.
