A retired police officer was brutally killed by his love rival in front of his wife and stepchildren.
Celani Motsa (62), who had gone to deliver groceries to the woman he considered his wife, was stabbed to death on Tuesday afternoon inside a rented house in Hlatikulu.
The woman, employed as a cleaner at Hlatikulu Police Station, was reportedly in a bigamous relationship, married to Motsa through Swazi law and custom (kuteka), while also married the same way to another man from KaGodloza, KoNtshingila.
The murder incident, which has shocked Hlatikulu residents, is strongly suspected to have been planned.
Both the woman and the other man are now in police custody assisting with investigations.
This newspaper understands that Motsa married the cleaner a few years ago at his parental home at Mthombe, Nhlangano. He supported her and her children from previous relationships, paying rent and providing groceries.
On the fateful day, he brought supplies as usual, but unlike other times when he stayed outside, this time he entered the house.
It was then that the other man arrived, allegedly after being tipped off, and stabbed Motsa once in the chest.
The attack happened in front of the woman and her two children, including an 11-year-old girl whose clothes were splattered with blood. Motsa died instantly.
Sources alleged that the woman delayed reporting the incident, with the police only alerted over an hour later through a 999 call.
When officers arrived, blood had been wiped from the floor and the woman had changed her clothes, raising suspicions of tampering with evidence.
Acting Deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Inspector Mazwi Ndzimandze confirmed the matter, stating that two suspects are assisting police with investigations.
Motsa, who held the rank of inspector, had served as part of former national commissioner of police Isaac Magagula’s security detail and worked as a chauffeur between 2009 and 2018 when deployed to Parliament.
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Magagula expressed deep sadness and devastation at the passing of Motsa.
Magagula said he received the news of Motsa’s death yesterday afternoon while on national duty outside the country.
“I’m profoundly saddened and devastated by the sudden demise under such circumstances, which compromise the philosophy of the sanctity of life,” said Magagula.
He recalled his years working with Motsa during his tenure in the police service.
“When I was commissioner of the police service and later as national commissioner, Motsa was assigned to my security detail from 2009 to 2018, until I was redeployed to Parliament,” he explained.
Magagula described Motsa as a disciplined, loyal and diligent officer who never needed to be pushed to fulfil his duties.
“His discipline, loyalty, commitment, and diligence were above reproach.
Hence my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences are in order. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
He added that Motsa always prioritised duty over personal matters.
“He consistently put duty first over personal gain and at no time did he show reluctance or displeasure when assigned work.”
