UPDATE: Manhunt for cop killer leads to 4 arrests

Four men suspected in the murder of an off-duty police officer on Sunday have been arrested.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the deceased was a 41-year-old officer in the Mabopane rapid rail policing unit (RRPU).

Mathe said various specialised units had been established to investigate the robbery of police officers and murder of one at the weekend.

“In the murder case involving the killing of Sergeant Tumelo Losaba at his home earlier this week, police arrested four suspects.

“Two have been charged with murder and the other two with possession of stolen property and unlicensed firearm.”

Mathe said locals assisted the police in apprehending one of the suspects in the attack on two off-duty police officers on Sunday.

She said an officer was visiting Losaba in his home in Mabopane around midnight, when three assailants accosted them.

According to Mathe, the off-duty officers were robbed of their belongings and “during the ordeal, Losaba was fatally wounded”.

Mathe said police were alerted and a manhunt was launched.

She said during the manhunt one assailant fled in a grey Audi A3 and another on foot while brave community members chased down and apprehended the third, a 32-year-old.

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili commended the community of Mabopane for taking a unified stance against crime, violence and disregard for the law.

She also sent her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased 14-year police veteran.

National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the swift action by police in Gauteng saying such swift arrest of the suspects should serve as a deterrent to those who continued to undermine the authority of the state.

“Well done to the teams involved led by Gauteng commissioner, Lt-Gen Elias Mawela. This should serve as a deterrent and stern warning to those who continue to undermine the authority of the state by attacking and killing police officers on and off duty,” said Masemola.

“We are intensifying operations and heightening police visibility throughout the country to ensure we squeeze the space for these criminals.”

He said the suspects will appear in the Garankuwa magistrate’s court on November 11.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram