In late January, 29-year-old military officer, Clive Tshivenga, became the ninth person arrested for allegedly playing a role in the murder of Siemens.

Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, says Tshivenga was arrested in Johannesburg and is expected to re-appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court towards the end of March.

In response to questions on the matter, Mbambo says not much information can be divulged at this stage regarding Tshivenga’s alleged role in the murder, as preparations are underway for his bail application.

It was revealed in crime analyst Karin Jacobs’s testimony, during bail proceedings for applicants one to three: Stanley Bakili, Molebatsi Mogoera and Kagiso Chabane, that the state was pursuing a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member and a Mangaung Metro employee regarding the murder.

Now, not even three months after Jacobs’s testimony, Tshivenga, believed to be a military officer, was apprehended for his alleged ties to the murder, which includes phone calls made to the deceased, allegedly threatening him over money.

A tenth person of interest was also named in Jacobs’s testimony. This individual is said to be an employee at the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality.

Mbambo would not confirm if there is a warrant of arrest for this person in question.

Prosecutor Johan De Nysschen is expected to have the indictment into the matter finalised a month from now.

The suspects alleged to have been involved, both directly and indirectly in Siemens’s murder will make what is believed to be their final appearance in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on April 11, a month before the one year anniversary of the businessman’s murder in the basement parking area of the Preller Square shopping centre.

De Nysschen confirms all suspects, who are between the ages of 29 and 56 years old, will appear on that day for a possible Free State High Court date. They are: Stanley Bakili, Mogoera Molebatsi, Kagiso Chabane, Mojalefa Jali Molusi, Moeketsi Lesia, Karabo Tau, Sizwe Mpati and now Clive Tshivenga.

Xolisile Mbebetho confessed to the crime of pulling the trigger that ended Siemens’s life and was convicted in November 2018. He was sentenced to 22-years in jail by the High Court and in turn became the state’s witness.

Lucky Nkuyane and Olebogeng Motse/OFM News