Fifth Suspect Arrested in Murder of Prasa
In a major step forward in a high-profile murder case, police have caught a fifth suspect linked to the killing of Jacob Khoanele, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) regional manager for KwaZulu-Natal. This arrest brings hope to his family and colleagues who have waited for justice since the brutal attack earlier this year.  The case has shone a light on the dangers of tender disputes in the public sector, where refusing to pay for poor work can lead to deadly threats.
Khethukuthula Mthethwa, from Umlazi township, was taken into custody and appeared briefly in the Durban Magistrate’s Court this week.  He now joins four other men charged with the crime, as investigators piece together how a simple disagreement over a contract turned into a cold-blooded murder.
Details of the Latest Arrest
Mthethwa’s capture is the fifth in this ongoing probe, showing police are not letting up.  The 35-year-old from Umlazi faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder.  During his short court time, he said he plans to ask for bail. The case was put off to next week for that hearing.
This follows a string of arrests that started in July 2025. The first two were twin brothers Vukile and Vukani Mchunu, nabbed on 27 July 2025 by the Provincial Serious and Violent Crime, Murder and Robbery Unit.  They are 35 years old and from Umlazi too. 
Next came Sandile Sakhile Ngcobo, 38, seen as the mastermind.  He showed up in court on 4 August 2025.  Ngcobo has a dark past – he is also charged in a triple murder and attempted murder from 2021 in Msinsini, where he allegedly killed three people linked to another crime. 
The fourth suspect, Mthandeni Cele, was picked up on 9 August 2025.  Cele, 24, is thought to be a hitman in the plot.  He appeared in court on 11 August 2025. 
Prasa has welcomed each arrest, saying it shows commitment to justice for Khoanele, who worked hard for the agency.  Back in August, after the fourth arrest, police said two more suspects were still out there.  With Mthethwa now in, it seems one might still be on the run, but details are thin.
Background of the Tender Dispute
The root of this tragedy lies in a tender gone wrong.  The Mchunu twins owned a company that got a contract from Prasa for work, but Khoanele found it substandard and refused to approve payment.  This sparked anger, leading to threats and, sadly, murder.
Court papers show the twins had a history of bullying at Prasa.  A former manager was forced to quit after they pushed for payment on bad work.  “Everyone at Prasa is afraid of the applicants (twins) due to the known fact that they threatened their colleague and killed the other,” said Senior State Prosecutor Calvin Govender during bail hearings. 
This case fits a bigger pattern in South Africa, where tender fights often turn violent, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.  Prasa, which runs trains and buses, has faced many scandals over tenders, like the fake engineer Daniel Mthimkhulu who got 15 years in jail for lying about qualifications.  But this murder takes it to a new low, showing how far some will go for money.
Khoanele, 53, was a dedicated worker who stood up for quality.  His death has left a gap at Prasa, where he managed key projects.
The Brutal Murder Incident
On 22 January 2025, Khoanele was driving home from a school meeting with his grandchild in La Lucia, Durban.  As he drove, gunmen in a car pulled up and started shooting.  They then got out and kept firing, making sure he did not survive.
The whole thing was caught on a nearby camera on Shelbourne Road.  Shocking video footage shows the attack, which the state plans to use in court.  According to Sergeant Nkosinathi Madonsela’s affidavit, the shooters fired from their car first, then stepped out to finish the job. 
Police say the suspects followed Khoanele that day, using cellphone data to track him.  This planned hit points to a professional job, tied back to the tender row.
Court Proceedings and Bail Battles
The case is moving through the Durban Magistrate’s Court.  Mthethwa’s bail bid is set for next week.  The twins will try again for bail in early November, based on new facts. 
Earlier, Magistrate Siyanda Mlaba turned down the twins’ bail.  It falls under Schedule 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which means they need to show special reasons to get out.  The judge said they did not, so they stay locked up. 
Ngcobo and Cele have given up on bail.  All five are held while the case builds.
The twins’ lawyer asked for more time in August to prepare, pushing back hearings.  The court learned about the fear at Prasa, with threats making staff scared. 
Strong Evidence Lined Up by the State
Prosecutors are confident with what they have.  Govender said they will show video of the shooting, cellphone records, and mapping to prove the suspects trailed Khoanele. 
This tech evidence, like pings from phones, will map their moves on the day.  The camera footage is key, capturing the horror.
The state opposes bail for all, saying the men are a risk to witnesses and could run.  With Ngcobo’s other charges, he seems especially dangerous.
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