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- Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, the first-born of King Goodwill Zwelithini.
- Four of the suspects are women, ages 27 to 42.
- The prince and his business partner are believed to have been drugged before cash and other valuables were stolen from his home.
Five suspects, four of whom are women, have been arrested for the murder of Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, the eldest son of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu.
The body of Prince Lethukuthula Zulu was found by security guards at his place of residence in the Graceland residential complex, Northworld, on November 6.
At the time, police said the information was still incomplete and an investigation was underway to find out the circumstances that led to the 50-year-old man’s death.
News24 reported that an investigation file had been opened for further investigation at the Honeydew Police Station and guards also found the friend of the deceased sleeping in another bedroom.
READ | Eldest son of royal Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, Prince Lethukuthula Zulu, dies
On Sunday, police spokesman Brigadier Mathapelo Peters announced that a breakthrough had been made in the case after a meticulous investigation and the hard work of the provincial investigation team.
By putting the information together, the investigation turned into a murder case.
“Critical evidence that could easily have been overlooked was effectively lifted from the crime scene by police forensic science experts,” Peters said in a statement.
“The evidence processed helped the investigation team establish a possible link between the suspects and the crime.”
On Friday night, the five suspects were arrested. In Pretoria, four women between the ages of 27 and 42 were arrested, as well as a 32-year-old man.
Peters added that during the arrest, one of the suspects was found in possession of different substances that were seized for further investigation.
FURTHER READ | A private funeral will be held for King Goodwill Zwelithini’s eldest son, Prince Lethukuthula Zulu
There is a possibility that the substances were used to drug the prince and his business partner before cash and other valuables were stolen from his home.
“Several items suspected of theft were seized from the suspects’ residences.
“The investigation continues as police anticipate possibly discovering more evidence to build a strong case that can be upheld in court.”
Peters said the investigation would look at whether the suspects could have committed similar crimes in which the victims were drugged and robbed.
Police have not yet revealed how the prince may have been killed, but Peters previously said that an autopsy would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The suspects will appear in Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday on charges of murder and robbery.
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