Five suspects were arrested last night after an investigation was launched into yesterday’s murder of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59).

Pretorius was the commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo

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

“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.

Last night, Highvelder reported that Pretorius was killed in Ermelo when he was ambushed while driving an official vehicle around 14:00.

Reports indicate that an assailant fired multiple shots at Pretorius, leaving his vehicle riddled with bullet holes. After the attack, the suspects fled the scene in a white sedan.

A specialised investigative team has been assembled.

Highvelder will update readers as more information becomes available.