Four arrested in connection with officer’s murder
Progress made in investigation of murdered officer.
The East Rand Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks, along with Gauteng Traffic’s Special Law Enforcement Unit (SLEU) and EMPD Saturation Task Team (STT), arrested four suspects in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The men are aged between 23 and 44.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Philani Nkwalase of the SAPS, the suspects are allegedly linked to the murder, kidnapping and carjacking of police officer Lieutenant Colonel Sikhetho Mawila (63) who was found murdered in an open field in Tsakani on January 8.
The family of the deceased last spoke to him on January 6, when he was travelling to Durban where he worked.
They reported him missing.
The joint operation made by a multidisciplinary team resulted in the arrest and seizure of a cellphone, laptop belonging to the deceased, a service pistol with live ammunition, car jack, a wallet, a pair of running shoes, a suitcase, keys, a cooler box as well as a knife.
The victim’s hijacked car was found burnt.
The national head of the Directorate for Priority Crime investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya applauded the collaborative work of law enforcement agencies.
“We appreciate the efforts and the speed within which the joint team made the arrest, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice to account for their conduct.”
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in Tsakane Magistrate’s Court on Friday. They face preliminary charges of murder, kidnapping and hijacking.
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