A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the murder of two police officers in the Free State.

Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung from Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on January 4.

A statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) today says the suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was traced and arrested yesterday in Phuthaditjhaba by a team which included the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Provincial Organised Crime and the Local Criminal Record Centre.

“He was caught on horseback near the Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho.

“The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders,” the statement reads.

The suspect will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.

The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr Godfrey Lebeya, commended the multi-disciplinary team.

Lebeya says the search for two more suspects continues.

Anyone with information is urged to call Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063. – SAnews.gov.za