UPDATE ON THE TRAGIC DEATH OF EUSTON MNGUNI: SUSPECTS ARRESTED AND VEHICLE RECOVERED

The Midrand community has been left in shock and disbelief since the tragic death of Euston Mnguni, a young UJ law graduate and part-time e-hailing driver who was gunned down by passengers he had picked up on the Bolt platform. However, there has been a new development in the case that brings hope for justice and closure for his family.

CAR FOR SALE ON WHATSAPP

Thanks to an anonymous tip-off, the Mnguni family was able to identify the black Kia Rio sedan that Euston was driving at the time of the hijacking. The car was seen for sale on WhatsApp status of Luyanda Nomavayi, who runs a panel beating and used car parts workshop in Ivory Park.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The family then liaised with the SAPS, and Provincial Police General Khumalo played a pivotal role in getting a team of detectives that made the arrest of the suspect possible. Luyanda ‘Shorti’ Nomavayi was arrested on the evening of 30 March 2023 in Ebony Park. Investigations against Shorti and findings from his phone and contacts helped the Police with critical info that led to further arrests of the other four suspects, namely Bukhosi Jnr Sithole (17 years old), Mzwakhe Johannes Mselemu (34 years old), Mahlatsi Phuthi (28 years old), and one unidentified suspect.

The arrests took place on Friday, 31 March 2023, in Kaalfontein and Ivory Park areas where the car was also recovered. The sixth suspect had fled to his rural home in KZN and is yet to be apprehended. Apparently, he is also 17 years old, and the mother is liaising with the Police.

At this stage, the perpetrators are connected to the crime through being in possession of the hijacked car. It is the investigation findings and court that will establish the roles that were played by these perpetrators throughout this hijack and murder of Euston. The Police will do due diligence to get evidence. There is surveillance cameras at the crime scene, and Townhouse Security confirmed footage capture and availability to Police upon request. The Bolt App also promised to provide Police with all the details of the phone that requested the trip.

Chris Mnguni, Euston’s brother, expressed concern about poor communication from Detectives handling the case. “We missed the 1st court appearance of the suspects because we were not aware of it. The Detective hasn’t gathered the evidence: footage and details from Bolt and the cell service provider.”

The perpetrators will appear at Alexander Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 11th April 2023. Those who wish to see the suspectS, be part of the Court proceedings, and pursue justice for Euston’s ‘Bongani’ Mnguni are advised to arrive before 9 am.

“Euston was laid to rest on Sunday, 02 April 2023 at Waterfall Cemetery. The family cannot thank you enough for the support it has received thus far. Further support until justice is seen will be appreciated because we are not safe as a community if we let such people remain out of jail,” said Chris Mnguni, on behalf of the family.

The Midrand community is urged to continue assisting the Police in any way possible to bring those responsible for Euston’s death to justice.