KZN police have arrested a 25-year-old suspect wanted for the murder of KwaDukuza Municipality Crime Prevention Unit’s Superintendent Arumugam, who was fatally shot in a robbery incident on the N2 last week.
The KwaDukuza Serious and Violent Crimes Unit, working alongside various other divisions, traced the suspect to Melmoth, where he was taken into custody at Thubelihle Informal Settlement.
A raid at the suspect’s residence at the KwaMashu Informal Settlement yielded crucial evidence: a 9mm Taurus pistol with its serial number filed off, two magazines, and 32 rounds of live ammunition.
The murder occurred on 4 November when the suspect allegedly held up a taxi near Groutville, robbing the driver of R2,500 and four passengers of their cellphones.
While parked at the scene, the taxi attracted Superintendent Arumugam, who was responding to what seemed like a stranded vehicle. The suspect then opened fire, fatally wounding the superintendent.
According to police spokesperson Captain Alex Thomson, “The arrest is the result of intense, coordinated effort. The KwaDukuza SAPS officers and collaborating units demonstrated exceptional dedication to bring the suspect to justice.”
The suspect faces multiple charges, including murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. He is expected to appear in both the KwaDukuza and KwaMashu Magistrates Courts on Wednesday.
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Ilembe District Commissioner, Major General Anthony Gopaul, praised the arrest, describing it as “a testament to our commitment to justice for the late Superintendent Arumugam and his family.” The Major General also commended the KwaDukuza Station Commander, Brigadier SF Mhlongo, and her team for the arrest and recovery of the murder weapon.
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