Hawks arrest 4 alleged cop killers in Ekurhuleni
Four men arrested in connection with the murder of a police officer are due to again appear in court in January.
A group of men who allegedly shot and killed SAPS Constable Siyabonga Zama Prince Thango during an armed robbery at a Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni, liquor store in July last year have been arrested.
The alleged murderers – Hloniphani Cebolenkosi Nala (28), Tshepo Hopewell Langa (28), Nduduzo Xaba (27) and Mnelisi Nkosikhona Mbatha (28) – were arrested by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit under the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Monday.
According to the Gauteng SAPS, the murder unfolded at about 18:45 when a group of armed robbers entered the Shoprite Liquor store in the Goldspot Shopping Centre.
Crime Prevention Unit members responded to the robbery, but as they entered the parking area, suspects at the entrance opened fire, fatally shooting Thango.
“Following intensive investigations, the suspects were arrested on robbery charges and an R5 rifle was recovered. The investigation, conducted under the guidance of the Boksburg senior public prosecutor, culminated in the recent arrests of the four individuals,” explains Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha.
The suspects appeared in the Vosloorus Magistrate’s Court on charges that included murder, and the case was postponed to January 16.
“This operation’s success underscores the dedication and effectiveness of our members in pursuing justice and ensuring the safety of our communities.
“The Gauteng Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation remains committed to holding those who commit such heinous acts accountable,” says Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng.
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