Overview
- Police announced the capture of 26-year-old Mozambican Macandze Lionel da Marta in Zimbabwe after he fled the initial investigation.
- Authorities say da Marta escaped the first dragnet, crossed into Zimbabwe, and was tracked down through coordinated intelligence and operations.
- The operation involved the South African Police Service, SANParks, Mozambique’s Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Zimbabwe Republic Police working through regional channels.
- Two other suspects were arrested in Mozambique earlier in the case and investigators recovered the victims’ vehicle during that operation.
- Officials say da Marta is expected to be deported to Mozambique to join his co-accused as investigators gather evidence and prepare prosecutions, a development officials frame as a warning that cross-border flight will not guarantee safety.