Convicted killer denies shooting KwaDukuza officer Mariemuthoo Arumugam

A 28-year-old convicted killer of KwaDukuza senior superintendent Mariemuthoo Arumugam has told the Durban High Court on Tuesday morning that he sympathises with the  Arumugam family; however, he denied that he is the one who shot the officer dead on November 4, 2024.  

The convicted killer - Philakahle Hloniphani Dladla from KwaMashu hostel - boarded a taxi on November 4 at the KwaDukuza taxi rank, taking the front passenger seat. He ordered taxi driver Bheki Xulu to take the Groutville off-ramp, after which Dladla produced a firearm, robbed Xulu and the passengers at gunpoint. 

Arumugam, who was dressed in a full police uniform, arrived at the scene driving a Toyota Fortuner to investigate the stationary taxi. 

Dladla aimed his firearm at the senior superintendent and shot him six times at close range.

On Tuesday, Dladla arrived in court with typed papers, walking tall, stating his intention to address the court about appealing his conviction. Acting Judge Vikela Ntlokwana, however, explained that the sentencing process must proceed as the conviction stands, and the appeal can only be pursued after sentencing. 

“He has been found guilty, and yes, he has a right to appeal, but the law does not allow those kinds of interruptions,” acting Judge Vikela said.

He gave advocate Musa Chiliza from Legal Aid about 15 minutes to consult with Dladla. After the short adjournment, Chiliza said mitigation of sentence could proceed as he had explained the process to his client.

Taking the stand, Dladla, who repeatedly sneered at the gallery filled with KwaDukuza police officers and victims’ families, continued to deny his involvement. 

“I sympathise with the family members with what happened to their relative, although it is not me. When I listen to the evidence, the person had no intention to do what he did, so I sympathise with them,” he stated.

He added, regarding the robbery and murder: “I was not there.”

Under cross-examination by state prosecutor advocate Rakesh Singh, Dladla said he has five children but agreed he was not their primary caregiver. When Singh asked if he was now willing to take accountability for his actions, Dladla maintained that he did not kill or rob anyone.

Singh pressed Dladla, asking: “You don’t want to tell the family of the law enforcement officer and the victims you robbed what motivated you to do what you did?” Dladla simply maintained his denial of the killing.

Singh asked the court to treat Dladla as a first-time offender, although he was previously convicted of a sexual offence, as it is not related to this case. 

Mitigation of sentence proceedings will resume later this week. 

nomonde.zondi@inl.co.za