A senior manager at an Eastern Cape municipality, whose name is known to the Dispatch, is one of three suspects arrested on Tuesday for the gruesome murder of Emalahleni Local Municipality chief whip Xoliseka Lali, 43, who was gunned down at his Komani house just more than a week ago.
The arrested municipal official works at the same municipality as Lali.
It is understood that she was the first person to be arrested on Tuesday and that she later pointed out her alleged accomplices, who are believed to have been hired hitmen.
This has been confirmed by a number of insiders within the municipality, police and the ANC in the Chris Hani region.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the arrest of two men and the woman official.
The suspects are due to appear in the Komani magistrate’s court on Wednesday — the same day the municipality will host a memorial service for Lali.
Lali was killed at his rented apartment in South east Village, Westbourne, in Komani last week Monday.
The municipality welcomed the breakthrough.
“We are pleased by the recent developments that there are people who have been arrested in connection with the tragic killing,” municipal spokesperson Luthando Nqumkana said.
“The manner in which law enforcement acted so swiftly is commendable.”
The investigation is ongoing, with the municipality urging that no stone be left unturned to get to the bottom of the issue.
“We are so disappointed to hear that one of the alleged perpetrators is our employee,” Nqumkana said.
“We cannot go further in explaining that point as issues surrounding this matter is still under investigation.
“We commit ourselves to supporting the investigation as it unfolds.”
Daily Dispatch
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.