POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the swift arrest of a 30-year-old man linked to the murder of an off duty police officer in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 15).

The man was arrested in Braamfontein in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon after allegedly fleeing the scene in Maijane village, Lebowakgomo.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police were informed of a shooting near a local tavern at around 02:00 in the morning and upon arrival, found the male victim in his vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds.

Ledwaba said the victim was certified dead on the scene by paramedics and was identified as Sergeant Terrence Kutullo Makgatho (38,) who was based at the Burgersfort Police Station.

“Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased was shot by a male suspect who then fled the scene. Police have opened a case of murder and the motive thereof is still under investigation,” his statement read.

Ledwaba said the management of the South African Police Service in Limpopo are deeply disheartened by the loss of the officer.

“The sergeant still had a lot to offer the communities of this province and as management, we will continue to keep the bereaved family in our thoughts and prayers,’ he said.

“We commend the team responsible for the apprehension of the suspect for their meticulous investigation,” Hadebe concluded.