Public asked to aid in manhunt

According to police spokesperson, Brig Leonard Hlathi, three men tried to hijack a vehicle belonging to a police constable at Goromane Trust just outside Hazyview last Sunday.

“Apparently the police officer was driving his private vehicle, with two other people in the car, when the suspects blocked the police officer’s vehicle and without uttering a word, opened fire on him and his friends,” said Hlathi.

He said the three suspects, who were driving a hijacked Toyota Legend 50 bakkie, shot and wounded one of police officer’s friends.

“The police officer shot back and hit two of the suspects. One of them was certified dead at a nearby clinic while the other was seriously wounded.

“Cases of attempted carjacking, inquest and attempted murder are being investigated. It has since been established that the same suspects had earlier hijacked two vehicles in Hazyview,” clarified Hlathi.

“We are currently looking for the third suspect who apparently vanished during the commotion. We are therefore requesting the public to help us trace him. Members of the community can call Det Lt Duduzile Shabangu on 082-469-2569,” said Hlathi.

Hlathi has also appealed to the community to help the police track down Norman Silvester Mokoena, who escaped from the Calcutta Magistrate’s Court holding cells last year.

“On November 5, 2019, Mokoena, also known as Dallas, escaped from holding cells after he was denied bail for a series of armed robbery cases. Anyone with information can call Sgt Danny Sanderson on 082-462-1817.

“We would like to caution the public not to approach the suspect as he is regarded as highly dangerous,” said Hlathi.