Police in the Western Cape are urgently seeking assistance from the public after the tragic murder of a Neighbourhood Watch member in Makhaza, Cape Town. Farrington Mkutshulwa, aged 49, was shot and killed on Friday, January 17, 2025, in what authorities believe may have been a targeted attack.
The shooting took place at around 11:30 p.m. in the Ezimfeneni informal settlement, near Enkanini. According to Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, the victim was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel. The police have launched an investigation to determine the motive behind the crime. At this stage, authorities are focusing on four men believed to have been involved in the shooting, and they have issued a public appeal for help in identifying the suspects.
To aid the investigation, the Western Cape police have offered a reward of up to R100,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for Mkutshulwa’s death. Detectives are urging anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward. The police can be contacted through Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or individuals can reach out directly to the investigating officer, Detective Constable Sibusiso Manqindi, at 072 980 2764.
In a separate, unrelated incident, police officers from the SAPS Rural Flying Squad arrested a 38-year-old Burundi national on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, for possession of illegal drugs. While on routine patrol, officers received a tip-off about a blue Kia Rio allegedly transporting drugs in the direction of Vredendal. Acting quickly on the information, officers located the vehicle in the vicinity of a business in Voortrekker Street. A search of the car and its driver led to the discovery of 1,739 mandrax tablets, a highly addictive drug.
The man, whose name has not been released, was arrested and is now facing charges related to drug possession. He is expected to appear in the Vredendal Magistrate’s Court in the near future. Both incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the region and the need for public cooperation to ensure justice is served.
