A suspect believed to have been one of Cape Town’s most wanted criminals is finally behind bars after he was nabbed by the Hawks Serious and Violent Crime team for the murder of a well-loved police officer who was also a Premier League soccer referee.
The Cape Argus can reveal that Ayazola Fulu also known as China is suspected of possibly being behind more than ten murders and about five attempted murders in the Khayelitsha and Lingeletu West districts between 2021 and 2024.
China was arrested in Mfuleni following an intense investigation.
The Hawks, Zinzi Hani said they believed he was behind the murder of Constable Akho Ndzingo in Khayelitsha in June 2024 during a crime operation.”
China made his first appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
“Ayazola Fulu, aka "China" (30) briefly appeared in the Khayelitsha Court for murder. Fulu, was traced, and arrested by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team shortly before his appearance at Khayelitsha Court where he appeared on other matters he had been charged for,” said Hani.
“The murder was committed in June 2024.
“After a tireless investigation into the murder, the suspect could be identified and linked to the offence.”
The State is set to prove that China shot and killed Ndzingo on June 12, 2024 just after 9.30pm while he was on duty with two of his colleagues carrying out crime prevention duties in a police Nissan bakkie.
“The SAPS van was driven by one of his colleagues when they approached the corner of Badi and Ndabambi street, Q Section Site B, Khayelitsha,” Hani explained.
“The SAPS members noticed a suspicious unknown African male at the side of the road, and then stopped to search him. When the members approached him, the suspect started shooting at them.
“Constable Ndzingo was shot once in the chest, above his bullet proof vest.
“A shoot out ensued between the suspect and police where the suspect sustained injuries but managed to flee the scene on foot.
“Constable Ndzingo was driven to Khayelitsha day hospital, Site B by two of his colleagues , where he was declared dead on arrival.”
The case was postponed to April 25 for bail information.
IOL previously reported that Ndzingo was just six months into his policing career when he was murdered and was a Premier Soccer League referee.
Cape Argus