Female Detective Accused of Masterminding Double Murder
A female detective sergeant accused of orchestrating a double murder in Bushbuckridge is set to apply for bail.
nnnnCourt Proceedings
Nyiko Nyathi, 42, appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on March 17, 2025, following her arrest on March 10. She was initially charged with two counts of murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and one count of attempted murder. The case was postponed to March 26 for a formal bail application.
According to Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, Nyathi remains in custody at the Nelspruit Correctional Centre pending her bail hearing. A neutral prosecutor will be sourced, as some of her former colleagues worked alongside her in law enforcement.
nnnnDetails of the Crime
In February 2024, a group of armed men attacked Lawrence Mashego, 44, at his home in Boikutsong Trust. He was with one of his mistresses when the assailants forced him to reveal where he kept his money. Mashego allegedly directed them to another woman in Zoeknog A, who had his bank cards.
The attackers stole two vehicles, a Toyota Quantum minibus taxi and a Ford Escort, and drove 25km to the second woman’s home, where they robbed and fatally shot her.
nnnnMashego and his first mistress were taken hostage before the attackers shot and killed Mashego, dumping his body near Dwarsloop. The surviving woman was later released.
nnnnInvestigation and Arrests
Four suspects were arrested in connection with the murders. One pleaded guilty and received a 77-year prison sentence, while the remaining three were found guilty after trial and jailed.
Nyathi, Mashego’s former partner and mother of his two children, was later identified as the alleged mastermind behind the attacks. She turned herself in and was immediately suspended from the police force.
nnnnOngoing Investigation
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Donald Mdhuli confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.
Nyathi has not yet entered a plea. Her bail application will be heard on March 26, 2025.
n