A suspect of murder and attempted murder, Hezekiel Knowledge Mngono (27), was remanded in custody by the Tonga Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

He was arrested on Sunday by the members of the Mpumalanga Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Crime Intelligence for murder and attempted murder of some police officers.

The spokesperson for the Hawks, Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, said, “Two police officers were shot while conducting their duties when they unknowingly drove onto a business burglary incident on August 9 in Block C in Tonga near Komatipoort.

It is alleged that upon noticing the police vehicle, the suspects opened fire and a shoot-out ensued. Two police constables, aged 38 and 42, were shot and rushed to hospital for medical attention.

Const Amos Themba (42) succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. “An intelligence-driven operation was conducted, which led to the tracing of the suspect’s whereabouts, and he was arrested.”

The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Maj Gen Zodwa Mokoena, condemned the attack on these members in blue.

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“An attack on police is an attack on the state. We will leave no stone unturned and we will ensure that the remaining suspects are apprehended so that they face the full might of the law.”

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The police are urging anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects to contact the investigating officers, Lt Col Erhard Ströh on 082 300 8315 or WO Mduduzi Motubatse on 072 195 0185, or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, information can be sent via the My SAPS app, and all information will be treated with confidentiality.