Mbabane – The National Commissioner of Police (NATCOM), Vusi Manoma Masango, has officially named the rightful claimant of the reward announced around June in the wake of the tragic kidnapping and murder of eight-year-old Tifezile Gwebu of Jericho.
The reward of E5 000 will go to a vigilant community member, identity concealed, who tipped-off community members of Siguduma under the Hosea Inkhundla and the Jericho Police Post the wanted suspect, Michael Hlatjwako, after he had evaded arrest for months.
Hlatjwako had been on the run since May, when Tifezile’s mutilated body was discovered at his homestead, a crime that shocked the nation and heightened calls for stronger community-police collaboration.
According to Masango the suspect’s capture demonstrates the crucial role communities play in crime prevention and response.
He commended the courage and alertness shown by the citizen who brought the months-long search to a decisive end.
He stated that honouring the reward is not only a matter of principle but also a way of recognising the power of active community participation in securing safer neighbourhoods.
“As the police force, we commended the people of Tibondzeni and express profound appreciation especially to law-abiding citizens who provided information that led to the suspect,” he said.
He added that as a police service, partnership policing is one of their key strategies in the fight against crime.
With the suspect now in custody, the police have assured the public that the case will proceed through the justice system, while thanking all individuals who assisted, provided information, or remained vigilant throughout the investigation.
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