Eastern Cape police have arrested a fourth suspect in the murder of Emalahleni Chief Whip Xoliseka Lali, an important progress in the ongoing investigation.
Mr Lali was fatally shot at his home in Komani on 21 July 2025. Intensive work by the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation and Tracing Units led to the arrest of three suspects: Bavuyise Mdingi, Mvuzo Mafanya, and Sonwabiso Siko in the Mthatha presinct on 28 July. The trio appeared in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 30 July and were remanded to 06 August 2025 for legal representation.
Soon after the court proceedings, investigators located and arrested the fourth suspect in Mthatha that same night. During interrogation, he led police to a friend’s house, where three unlicensed firearms and ammunition were recovered. These weapons will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to other crimes.
The fourth suspect has been charged with Mr Lali’s murder and is expected to appear before the Komani Magistrate’s Court on 01 August 2025. He and his associate will also face charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso praised the investigating team for their swift and effective actions, which resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal weapons. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
