By Sonica Naudé-Steyn

A 37 year old man handed himself over to police for allegedly fatally wounding a police officer in Matatiele over the festive season.
This according to HAWKS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, who says that 37 year old Lwazi Mlobeli voluntarily presented himself to Matatiele SAPS at about 10h00 on 28 December 2025, accompanied by his legal representative. Mlobeli is facing charges relating to the murder of a police officer.
“The culprit was subsequently arrested and detained. A pistol with one magazine containing fourteen live rounds of ammunition was recovered, formally processed, and seized for further investigation,” said Mhlakuvana.
According to police the incident in question took place on Friday, 27 December 2025, at Hlomendlini Location, Magadla Administrative Area in Matatiele where police Sergeant, 35 year old Siyabonga Magadla was fatally wounded. Magadla who was stationed at the Matatiele SAPS was off duty at the time of the incident.
“It is alleged that Sergeant Magadla was at the suspect’s residence with his acquaintances when events escalated tragically. It is further alleged that a 37-year-old suspect, who was known to the deceased, temporarily exited the dwelling and returned with a firearm. A gunshot was subsequently discharged inside the house. Moments later, the deceased reportedly exited the house, collapsed a short distance from the entrance, after allegedly sustaining fatal gunshot injuries. Further reports indicated that immediate efforts were made to save the officer’s life, as he was rushed to Tylor Bequest Provincial Hospital for medical treatment but was declared deceased on arrival,” said Mhlakuvana.
A case of murder of a police officer was opened, and the matter was handed over to Bizana Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) of the Hawks for intensive investigation.
“Sergeant Magadla’s untimely and violent death constitutes a grave offence and represents a significant loss in the policing fraternity, criminal justice system, and the community he faithfully served,” said Mhlakuvana.
Lwazi Mlobeli appeared before the Matatiele Magistrate’s court on 29 December 2025 facing allegations of police murder. The matter was remanded to 13 January 2026 for a formal bail application. Mlobeli remains in police custody.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Venessa Shantelle Hastings unequivocally condemns this senseless and unlawful act of violence: “The killing of a police officer, irrespective of duty status, constitutes an attack on the authority of the state, the rule of law, and the collective security of society.”