Central News | 15 February 2026

Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal – A breakthrough in a nearly four-year-old murder case has brought some relief to the family of slain Gauteng businessman and whistleblower Marumo Eric Phenya, as police arrested the alleged hitman in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Minenhle Mthembu, 30, is accused of gunning down Phenya in a hail of bullets in Roodepoort on 17 October 2022, shortly after the victim exposed corruption in a multimillion-rand tender at the Department of Home Affairs.

This joint operation between Gauteng and KZN police highlights the challenges of tracking fugitives across provinces, but also shows determination in fighting crimes against those who speak out against graft. For whistleblowers facing threats every day, Phenya’s story is a grim reminder of the risks, yet his family’s push for justice offers hope. With Mthembu now in custody, many wait to see if this leads to uncovering who ordered the hit, potentially exposing deeper corruption in government deals.

Phenya, a dedicated family man and entrepreneur, was ambushed just weeks after reporting death threats tied to his revelations. His killing shocked communities and sparked calls for better protection for those blowing the whistle on tender fraud, a rampant issue costing South Africa billions yearly.

The Ambush and Murder: A Whistleblower Silenced

Marumo Eric Phenya, 57, was driving home after dropping his children at school when two men opened fire on his vehicle at an intersection on Hendrick Potgieter Road in Roodepoort. He died at the scene in a barrage of bullets, leaving his wife Johannah and family devastated. Police say the attack was targeted, linked to Phenya’s role in exposing irregularities in a dubious multimillion-rand IT tender at the Department of Home Affairs.

Phenya had flagged corruption involving a company providing IT solutions to the department, uncovering what appeared to be tender rigging and kickbacks. Just weeks before his death, he and his wife received threatening messages, prompting them to open a conspiracy to commit murder case. Despite this, the threats turned deadly, cutting short the life of a man hailed as a hero for standing against graft.

His widow, Johannah Phenya, has fought tirelessly for answers. In a statement through attorney Norman Kgosiyagofa Montjane, she said: “I was afraid that this case would go cold.” She appointed IRS Forensic Investigations to keep watch, working with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), police, media, and officials to push the probe forward.

The Arrest: A Collaborative Effort Across Provinces

After years on the run, Minenhle Mthembu was nabbed in Mtubatuba on 10 February 2026, following intelligence shared between Gauteng and KZN police. The KwaZulu-Natal team, led by Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, assembled a multi-disciplinary unit to track him down. Mthembu, wanted for murder and conspiracy to commit murder, was hiding in the northern KZN town when officers executed a warrant.

He made a brief appearance in the Mtubatuba Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 February 2026, before being handed over to Gauteng detectives. Now back in Gauteng, Mthembu faces formal charges for his alleged role in the assassination.

Mkhwanazi praised the teamwork: “KwaZulu-Natal province is not a hiding place for criminals. We appeal to community members not to harbour criminals but to tip off the police so we can rid society of dangerous offenders.” He added that the arrest sends a strong message: “Police will find you even if you flee to another province. There is nowhere to hide from the mighty arm of the law.”

This cross-province hunt shows the power of shared intel in cracking cold cases, especially when suspects flee to rural hideouts like Mtubatuba.

Phenya’s Legacy: Exposing Tender Corruption at Home Affairs

Phenya’s bravery stemmed from his work uncovering fraud in government tenders. As a businessman, he flagged irregularities in a multimillion-rand contract for IT services at Home Affairs, including inflated costs and possible bribes. His whistleblowing led to threats, but he stood firm, cooperating with Gauteng’s anti-corruption unit.

Sadly, his efforts cost him his life, joining a list of whistleblowers silenced in South Africa. Groups like Corruption Watch have long called for better safeguards, noting over 20 such murders in recent years. Phenya’s case underscores the dangers, with his family pushing for reforms to protect those who speak out.

Read article on the Central News website here.