Nearly two years after the brutal murder of Sergeant Vusi Enock Vilakazi from Winterveldt, in the north of Pretoria, a breakthrough has been made in the investigation.

Kamogelo Rathabeng, who was arrested and charged in connection with the murder, appeared in the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

According to an article published by Pretoria Rekord, Rathabeng (25), from Mataboge Stand in Mabopane, is facing charges relating to the tragic shooting and killing of Vilakazi on March 4, 2023.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, Vilakazi, a Carletonville Visible Policing officer, and three friends had been lured to the area by a Facebook advert for a Volkswagen Polo.

Ramovha says the group was ambushed, Vilakazi was shot, and his service pistol and the group’s cellphones were taken by the attackers.

“Despite being rushed to Kgabo Clinic, Vilakazi succumbed to his injuries.

“The arrest of Rathabeng on February 8 marked an important development in the case,” says Ramovha.

He adds that the accused was found in possession of the firearm stolen from Vilakazi, and positively identified by eyewitnesses.

Rathabeng’s court appearance resulted in the case being postponed to March 13 for a formal bail application.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), responsible for the investigation, hailed the arrest as a crucial step in solving the dedicated officer’s murder.

The provincial head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, said: “Together, we can ensure that justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to account for their actions.”

Kadwa called on community members to come forward with information that may assist in apprehending the remaining suspects involved in the case.

Members of the public are urged to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 if they have any information.

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