One of the men wanted for the murder of an off-duty police officer was arrested in Maphumulo on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old was arrested by the Hawks and was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. 

Warrant officer Maqhawe Sithole (54) was shot and killed at Amatikwe in Inanda last month.

Hawks spokesperson, Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo, said Sithole was playing pool with his friend at a tuckshop when he was attacked.

The perpetrators fired several shots at him and robbed him of his service firearm.

He was taken to hospital where he died, two days later. 

“A case of murder was reported at Inanda police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks in Durban for intensive investigation.

“The first suspect Thembokwakhe Xulu (23) was arrested on Tuesday, June 29 and he was charged for murder,” said Mhlongo.

Police continued with their investigation and arrested the second suspect.

He was found in possession of a firearm suspected to belong to the late warrant officer and another 9mm pistol suspected to be used in the commission of the murder. 

“Both firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to ascertain if they were used in the commission of any other crimes in the country.”

The suspect is expected to appear at the Ntuzuma Magistrates’ Court together with his accomplice today.