Metro cop repeatedly shot and stabbed

Police are urging members of the public to assist in a murder investigation after a Tshwane Metro Police officer was found dead on the side of the Mabopane highway, Tshwane Metro Police said on Tuesday.

Veli Masemola, a 39-year-old security officer of the Tshwane Metro Police, was discovered with several stab and gunshot wounds a few metres from his car near the Brits Road off ramp. According to Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba, his body was found by a passer-by.

“We arrived on the scene to find the officer’s car still idling, his two cell phones, house keys and some belongings still in the car. Upon searching the surroundings, we found him dead about 15 metres from his car, with stab and gunshot wounds,” said Mahamba.

The mysterious death of the officer is being investigated as police are trying to determine the motive of the murder. “We have opened a case of murder and are still trying to find major suspects. We urge members of the public to assist us with information to find out who is behind this. Any information and lead will be investigated,” Mahamba said.

A resident of Soshanguve, Masemola served at the Tshwane Metro Police for a year, starting in June last year. “We as the department, are saddened by his death. The chief of police is launching a team to assist the South African Police Service in tracing the suspects. We hope to make arrests soon,” said Mahamba.