In a dramatic turn of events at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga, four of the five suspects accused in the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius abandoned their bail application.

The suspects, Mthobisi Nkosi (40), Aubrey Xaba (35), Skhumbuzo Skhakhane (40), and Nyiko Mujovo (30), opted to remain in custody during their court appearance on February 18. The only female suspect, Valencia Skhosana (36), proceeded with her bail application.

The suspects were arrested by the Hawks’ Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in the early hours of January 17, 2025, following their alleged involvement in the brutal murder of Pretorius. The 59-year-old officer, who was the Commander of the Ermelo Vehicle Investigation Unit, was shot and killed on January 16 while inside a state vehicle.

Investigations revealed that a BMW, identical to one stolen in Witbank in 2018, was found torched in Ermelo. This vehicle was allegedly used as a getaway car in the murder.

The four suspects who abandoned bail will appear in court again on April 10, 2025, while Skhosana’s bail hearing is set for February 27.

Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the postponement, stating that it would allow investigators to gather further evidence and ensure a strong case for trial. He reaffirmed the team’s commitment to securing justice and praised the stakeholders involved for their diligent work on the case.