In a dramatic turn of events at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga, four of the five suspects charged with the brutal murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius chose to abandon their bail applications. The suspects, Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), and Nyiko Mujovo (30), all opted to remain in custody, while the only female defendant, Valencia Skhosana (36), proceeded with her bail application. The suspects appeared in court on Tuesday, where their decisions were made public.
The suspects were arrested by the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on January 17, 2025, following their connection to the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius. Pretorius, a 59-year-old commander of the Ermelo Vehicle Investigation Unit, was shot and killed on January 16 while inside a state vehicle.
During the investigation, Nkosi revealed that the Hawks had discovered a significant clue linking the suspects to the crime. In their search for evidence, they uncovered that one of the accused had been previously robbed of a vehicle, a BMW, in Witbank back in 2018. Shockingly, this stolen vehicle, which was identical to the one found torched in Ermelo, was allegedly used as the getaway vehicle during the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius.
While Skhosana will return to court on February 27 to continue her bail application, the remaining suspects—Nkosi, Xaba, Skhakhane, and Mujovo—are set to appear again on April 10, 2025.
The investigation team’s work is far from over. Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, stated that the postponement would allow further evidence to be gathered, ensuring the investigation progresses toward a swift trial. He praised the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders involved in handling the case, emphasizing their determination to present a solid case in court. The developments in this case have kept the public on edge as the search for justice continues.
