Eastern Cape police have arrested a fourth suspect in connection with the murder of Mr Xoliseka Lali, the Chief Whip of the Emalahleni Local Municipality.
Mr Lali was shot and killed at his home in Komani on 21 July 2025. Police initially arrested three suspects – Bavuyise Mdingi, Mvuzo Mafanya and Sonwabiso Siko – during a joint operation by the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Investigation Unit and the tracing unit in Mthatha on 28 July 2025.
The trio appeared in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 30 July 2025, where their case was remanded to 6 August 2025 for legal representation.
Immediately after the court proceedings, investigators traced the fourth suspect to Mthatha town that same night. The suspect cooperated with investigators, leading them to a friend’s house where police recovered three unlicensed pistols and ammunition.
The recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to other crimes.
A separate case of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition has been opened against the fourth suspect and his friend. Both appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court today, 31 July 2025. The fourth suspect will also face murder charges in connection with Mr Lali’s killing when he appears in the Komani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 1 August 2025.
Memorial service honours late Chief Whip
As the investigation progresses, the ANC Eastern Cape held a memorial service for Mr Lali. The event was attended by ANC PEC members Comrade Siyabulela Zangqa, Comrade Wongama Gela, and Comrade Yanga Zicina.
Leadership from the Chris Hani Region, led by Chairperson Comrade Lusanda Sizani, and ANC Caucus members from the Dr AB Xuma, Vuyisile Mini, Bathandwa Ndondo, Matthew Goniwe, and Robert Resha Sub-regions were also present.
The memorial service honoured Mr Lali’s contribution as a Whip of the Council and Portfolio Head of Infrastructure Development and Human Settlements at Emalahleni Local Municipality.
SAPS praise investigation team
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the swift investigative work that led to the arrests and the recovery of illegal firearms.
These arrests are a testament to the relentless efforts of our investigative teams. We remain committed to ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are brought to justice, – she said.
The investigation continues.
