Gqeberha funeral policy murder: police arrest 37-year-old at his workplace

Police have arrested a 37-year-old man in Gqeberha in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit murder and murder, the South African Police Service said in a media statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner for the Eastern Cape.

The man was arrested at his workplace in Gqeberha on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. The case concerns the death of Lelethu Nkabi (36) in the Kwazakele area in August 2026.

According to the statement, the arrest followed investigations by members attached to National Intervention Operation Bamba and Eastern Cape Operation Ukubuza into the circumstances surrounding Nkabi’s death. Police say the alleged conspiracy to commit murder is reportedly linked to a funeral policy.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kwazakele Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Police say the investigation is under way and that more arrests are imminent.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata commended the team for its efforts in pursuing the case and securing the arrest. He said police will continue to investigate allegations of serious crime and will not hesitate to act against anyone suspected of conspiring to take another person’s life for financial gain.

The statement was issued through Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa. It is a police summary of the case rather than the court record, and the suspect has not yet appeared in court. Enquiries can be directed to Colonel Mawisa on 071 366 1907.

Source: South African Police Service (SAPS), https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71875