Arrest made in 2022 murder of whistleblower Marumo Eric Phenya

A statement by Norman Kgosiyagofa Montjane, Attorney for the Phenya Family says Johannah Phenya, widow of the assassinated whistleblower, Marumo Eric Phenya, has confirmed that the Gauteng Provincial Office of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has advised her of the arrest of one of the alleged hitmen linked to her husband’s murder.

It says Minenhle Sibusiso Mtembu, who is under investigation by the Gauteng DPCI Serious Anti-Corruption Unit and for whom a warrant of arrest was issued, was arrested, earlier this week by KwaZulu Natal South African Police Service (SAPS), in Northern KwaZulu Natal.

“He has been transported to Gauteng and will appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, early next week,” the statement says.

The statement says Ms Phenya says that she was grateful to the DPCI and SAPS for this major development.

“My husband was assassinated in October 2022. I was afraid that this case would go cold. I appointed IRS Forensic Investigations on an investigation watching brief who liaised with the DPCI, SAPS, the media, government officials and members of parliament. Through the concerted efforts of all concerned, an arrest has finally been made. There is still a lot to be done to hold those that ordered the hit on my husband and I believe that this arrest brings me and my family one step closer to getting justice for Marumo. I extend my sincere thanks to all those from SAPS that were involved in the arrest of this suspect”, adds Ms Phenya, in the statement.