A recently recruited police officer has been charged with murder.
The identity of the rookie is known to the Middelburg Observer, however, it can’t be revealed because he has not formally appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court.
The rookie was arrested on Saturday in Mhluzi after allegedly stabbing a man to death.
The constable completed his police training late last year and was on six months’ probation before being permanently transferred to a police station in eMalahleni on May 1.
According to reports, the incident happened at around 23:00, in Extension 8, Mhluzi, at the victim’s home.
It is alleged that an argument over a girlfriend broke out between the constable and a man (identified as a patron at Skhosana Tavern in Extension 4).
During the altercation, the constable allegedly drew a knife and chased the man to a house in Extension 8, Mhluzi, where the uncle of the man attempted to intervene.
Tragically, the uncle was allegedly stabbed by the constable and later died upon arrival at the Middelburg Provincial Hospital.
Phaladi Shuping, IPID spokesperson, said on Tuesday that IPID has taken over the docket, and the accused will be appearing in court today (Tuesday).
“At the moment, we are not sure what the fight was about between the accused (SAPS member) and the other person, but the deceased is the uncle of the other person, and the uncle tried to stop the fight.”
A post-mortem exam on the deceased will be completed tomorrow.
The identity of the deceased is known to the Observer, but can’t be released until the family formally identifies him.
Belfast cop arrested
• This incident occurred just a day after a Belfast police officer was arrested for allegedly shooting his wife.
The male sergeant (45) is in the Visible Policing Unit in Belfast.
He will make his first court appearance in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court today on a murder charge.
The tragic incident allegedly happened in Siyathuthuka township on Good Friday (April 18).
Also read: Policeman in court for murder
Details of the incident are currently unknown, the matter was also transferred to IPID for investigations.
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