Confusion after police catch “Eskom hitman”
An alleged assassin who was hired to kill former Eskom employee Dorothy Mmushi may be behind bars — but the Hawks are not convinced.
The suspect was arrested on 26 November in a police car chase following an unrelated cash-in-transit heist in Limpopo, reports the City Press.
“A group of suspects bombed a security company vehicle transporting money. In the process, a security guard was fatally wounded. The suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of money,” said the police.
“On the morning of Sunday, 26 November 2023, [a photo of] the vehicle fitting the description [of the getaway car] was circulated. A white Hyundai Creta was spotted, driven by the suspects on the R40 [road] outside Hazyview in Mpumalanga.”
“Police attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver sped off. A high-speed chase ensued until the vehicle was intercepted about 5km outside Hazyview.”
Two suspects were apprehended and found to be in possession of cash and used AK47 cartridges.
A third suspect was apprehended later — he was found driving one of the vehicles used during the robbery.
Dorothy Mmushi, former manager in Eskom forensic department
Confusion over hitman arrest
Mmushi was told by her case’s investigating officer that one of the suspects was likely to be the hitman who had allegedly been hired to stop her from revealing information about dodgy activities at Eskom.
“The information that has come forward has convinced both myself and the investigating officer that the right person is behind bars,” said Mmushi.
However, the Hawks have downplayed the situation, claiming “no arrests have been made with regard to threats made against Ms Mmushi.”
“The docket is with the Director of Public Prosecutions and the investigation still continues,” said Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo.
Mmushi is frustrated with the situation, as she claims she could positively identify her alleged assassin if given the chance.
“I am just asking for society to watch this case very closely because our [justice] system is known to let these people [alleged criminals] slip through,” said Mmushi.
“I can finally live, knowing that at least the one person who was sent to kill me is behind bars.”
Hitman allegations
The hitman previously told Mmushi that the assassination contract was to stop her from revealing information about possible collusion between Eskom and service providers.
“I need you to understand properly what I’m telling you. Your boss, who works with the people [who’ve paid me], says you’re disturbing them,” said the alleged hitman.
“Your boss is eating with these people. There are cases around certain tenders that you’re busy investigating, and, my sister, I was supposed to kill you a long time ago.”
Hawks head Godfrey Lebeya has confirmed that Mmushi’s allegations appear credible.
Godfrey Lebeya, head of The Hawks
“I had a meeting with the complainant in this matter. She came to our offices in March … it would appear that the threats were there already in February,” he said.
“We have got to focus on what she is saying.”
“On the 26th of July, she [Mmushi] brought to my attention the allegation of a hit on her. We are working on that one. We advised that she register a case, which she agreed to.”
Lebeya also said the hitman had requested money from Mmushi not to kill her.
“There are allegations that someone is purporting to have received money to hit her, and this person needs money from her to not hit her,” Lebeya said.
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