Police on murder rap now faces DC
28 Oct 2008
Chester Makana
A police inspector who was arrested and charged with murder, attempted murder and kidnapping will face an internal disciplinary hearing.
Inspector Willem Munyai, 54, was arrested in connection with the death of Tshilidzi Tshilate, who was accused of cable theft.
Tshilate was kidnapped and assaulted by members of the community.
Five people were arrested, including Munyai, who allegedly drove off with Tshilate who was later found dead.
Thohoyandou police spokesman Captain Mashudu Malelo yesterday said Munyai was served with a suspension notice after he was released on R5000 bail last week.
The suspension follows after it emerged that Munyai played a role in Tshilate's kidnapping.
Malelo said yesterday: "The process to suspend Munyai is under way."
He said the suespension of Munyai was procedural.
Malelo said Munyai has to give reasons why he thinks he should not be suspended.
It is alleged that Tshilate was abducted at a local bar while he was with Funani Tshifaro, who escaped the attackers.
Munyai and his friends had assaulted him after they had accused him of stealing electric cables.
The other accused are acting director for student affairs at the University of Venda, Enoch Maphwanya, 53, Victor Makumbani, 46, and Peter Ralineba, 43.
The accused will appear in court again on November 3.
Malelo said: "The investigations are continuing and we hope they will be completed soon."
The police have appealed to people to report cable theft but not to take the law into their own hands by attacking suspects.
