Five suspects arrested in connection with murder of Ermelo officer

Five people have been arrested in the murder of Pretorius.

January 17, 2025

René Joubert 1 minute read

The late Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius. Photo | René Joubert

This article has been updated. Read the update: HERE

ERMELO – After a manhunt was launched in the investigation into the murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, five suspects were arrested last night.

Details surrounding the arrest are still vague and the newspaper will update readers when more information is available.

The scene was cordoned off and secured as police began their investigation. Photo: René Joubert

ALSO READ: Search for suspect(s) underway following fatal shooting of Ermelo police officer

“Today is not a nice day. Our hearts cry for a good policeman, whose life was senselessly taken. Colonel Piet Pretorius was a great policeman – one of the good ones. The devil came to steal and kill. Colonel you were a dedicated policeman. Your death is a loss. For many people you were more than a commander and colleague, you were a mentor and a friend. We are going to miss you,” Captain Carla Prinsloo, spokesperson for Ermelo police, wrote on her Facebook page.

Highvelder will keep residents updated.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

January 17, 2025

René Joubert 1 minute read

Wayne van der Walt

Wayne van der Walt, with around 15 years in the media industry, is editor of Highvelder Newspaper. His accolades include Frewin Awards for Newspaper of the Year and Front Page of the Year, and FCJ Photographer of the Year, among other honours.