Wife Arrested ‘Mourning’ Slain EMPD Officer Husband, in Court Alongside Suspect in Murder Plot
- A woman who allegedly orchestrated the murder of her husband, an EMPD officer, has been arrested
- Online videos purportedly show an inconsolable Sibongile Dlamini at Officer Banele Skosana's memorial
- Dlamini appeared in court alongside one an alleged hitman, Nhliziyozabantu Magwanyana, on 17 February
- City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini told Briefly News a hunt was underway for a third suspect
Source: Twitter
Tshepiso Mametela is a seasoned journalist at Briefly News. A Head of Current Affairs, Mametela reported live from the presidential inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa and has written articles on politics, crime, courts, accidents and other topics, including sports, at The Herald and Opera News SA, among others.
GAUTENG — Viral videos — one showing the wife of a slain Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer appearing inconsolable at his memorial service, and another of her being led away by police on suspicion of his murder — have been making the rounds online.
Officer Banele Skosana was shot and killed outside the tuck shop he ran with his wife of two months in KwaThema, Gauteng, on Friday, 7 February 2025.
EMPD cop's wife nabbed for murder
Three days after the metro cop's murder, a South African Police Service (SAPS) led operation resulted in the arrest of the alleged hitman at KwaThema hostel.
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A second hitman is believed to be on the run.
Nhliziyozabantu Magwanyana subsequently appeared in the Springs Magistrate's Court, on 12 February, facing a murder charge.
Gauteng spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said Magwanyana led officers to the murder weapon, which he had hidden in a pillow case in his room.
Two days later on 14 February, the net closed on a second suspect, Skosana's widow, Sibongile Dlamini, amid preparations for his funeral.
After spending the weekend behind bars, Dlamini, 42, appeared in the dock alongside Magwanyana, 34, on 17 February.
A video posted to the @MDNness X page captured a memorial held for Skosana, 32, on 13 February, one day before her arrest.
Dlamini cuts a distraught figure, wailing uncontrollably while seated under a tent erected for mourners as a foot procession of EMPD officers goes by. An elderly woman gets from her seat to console Dlamini.
In the second clip, a hive of law enforcement activity is captured as family and community members gather as she is arrested.
She is then led away in an unmarked police car. Several people can be seen breaking down and crying and, later, a group of women break out in song.
Further reports suggest Dlamini, who married Skosana in December, had allegedly previously poisoned him, but he survived. In the video, someone can be heard passing a comment about the alleged poisoning attempt.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said two suspects shot Skosana as he offloaded stock from his vehicle on Vilakazi Street.
They allegedly stole his private firearm and fled the scene.
He told Briefly News a manhunt was underway for the second shooter.
"We're shocked and devastated by the incident. This was a young man who risked his life to save others. To lose him in such a brutal manner is a loss to the EMPD and the wider community," he said.
The matter against the duo was postponed to 21 February for further investigations and a formal bail application.
After appearing in court a second time, the court postponed the bail application to 27 February for an identity parade. In her third appearance, Dlamini dropped a bombshell after claiming she was tortured into confessing to the murder.
In court, through a written affidavit read through her attorney, Dlamini claimed she endured hours-long torture on 14 February. She said detectives insisted that she tell the truth about her involvement in Sikosana's murder.
After growing frustrated, she said they ordered her to take off her skirt and underwear and to wear a diaper.
Female officer gunned down in Soweto
In a related story, Briefly News reported that a Johannesburg metro police officer was killed in Soweto during a New Year's Eve operation.
Unknown suspects allegedly accosted Khensani Mabaso and shot her outside her Diepkloof home in broad daylight while on duty.
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Source: Briefly News
