Two suspects were arrested shortly after a sergeant in the Ladysmith K9 Unit was killed in an apparent ambush in Steadville last night (December 11).

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has commended police officers from the Uthukela District who sprang into action when one of their own was killed.

At around 6pm last night, the off-duty police officer was shot while driving in Steadville.

It is alleged that the 43-year-old officer’s vehicle was bumped from behind by another vehicle. When he got out to investigate, he was shot several times at point-blank range. He died at the scene and his service pistol, as well as his wallet, was taken by his attackers before they fled the scene.

Read initial story: Police officer shot dead in Steadville

Two men, aged 25 and 30, were arrested in E-Section Ezakheni, while the vehicle used in the crime was seized by police.

The police officer’s firearm, as well as the firearm used by the perpetrators, were recovered by police.

According to the SAPS, at this stage the motive seems to be robbery.

The two men are expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court soon, facing murder and robbery charges.