A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of two police officers in the Free State.
Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.
In a statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Thursday, the male suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team, including the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday.
“He was caught on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho. The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders,” the statement reads.
The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate's Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.
The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr Godfrey Lebeya, has commended the multi-disciplinary team, which has worked without ceasing for the breakthrough.
Advocate Lebeya said a search for two outstanding suspects continues. Anyone with information is urged to call detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063. – SAnews.gov.za
