A suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Sergeant Lawrence Dumisani Mtshweni (47). According to Mpumalanga News, he was shot dead in Schoemansdal in the early hours of Saturday.

The national police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, shared the news of the arrest during a visit to Mtshweni’s home in Schoemansdal yesterday.

Masemola did not elaborate much on the arrest and said details would be shared at a later stage.

The national commissioner led a delegation of high-ranking officials that included the deputy national commissioner for policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Mpumalanga police acting provincial commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie, and Ehlanzeni police district commissioner Major General Dorah Xaba.

The traditional leadership of the Shongwe chieftaincy also attended.

The delegation also visited the scene of the crime.

During the visit, Masemola reiterated that a reward of R150 000 has been offered to anyone with information that could lead to the arrest and conviction of Mtshweni’s killers.

Mtshweni was one of the police members who attended to a business burglary at Schoemansdal on Saturday morning at about 02:45.

“While assessing the crime scene, the officers were attacked by about 10 gunmen. Our member was shot in the upper body and sadly passed away after he was taken to hospital,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.

He said Mtshweni was a member of the Visible Policing Unit at Schoemansdal Police Station and had 18 years of service in the SAPS.

Anyone who has information that may assist in the investigation is requested to call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.