According to Newzroom Afrika, Ndlovu fell ill on Tuesday and passed away on Wednesday. He was one of the first officers who responded to the scene after the Meyiwa murder.
Colonel Sello Dimakatso, the police spokesperson said “Brigadier Philani Ndlovu is no longer a member of the South African Police Service, therefore we cannot comment on the matter. This would be a private matter, therefore you will have to speak to the family,” she said.
According to a source who asked to remain anonymous, Ndlovu went on pension in March 2021. “I think he was 61 years old. He was an old man and must have died of natural causes.”
Ndlovu’s relation to the Meyiwa case stemmed from the fact that he had information linked to the suspected shooter. “While he was the head of detectives, he was approached by someone who gave him information relating to what happened on the day Meywa was killed at singer Kell Khumalo’s Vosloorus house.
Muzikawukhulelwa S’Tembu Sibiya, Bongani Sindiso Ntanzi, Mthobisi Prince Mncube, Mthokoziseni Ziphozonke Maphisa and Fisokuhle Ntuli are currently on trial for the murder of former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa who was shot and killed in Vosloorus in October 2014.
The trial is set to resume on 30 May following a dramatic scene of events at the last meeting, where advocate Malesela Teffo, who is representing for of the five suspects was arrested in court shortly after the case had been postponed.
Source: News24, The Citizen, image from The Citizen: Jacques Nelles