Three arrested in Johannesburg for murder of police officer
An integrated operation led by SAPS and private security has led to the arrest of three suspects linked to the fatal shooting of Warrant Officer Jabulani Mabuza in a botched hijacking on the M2 freeway.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the murder of Warrant Officer Jabulani Mabuza, who was fatally shot during an armed robbery in Benrose on September 8.
The suspects, aged 32 and 30, were apprehended during a co-ordinated takedown on the night of October 13 in Berea, Selby and Eloff Ex, Johannesburg.
They now face charges of murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen property.
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According to police reports, the incident occurred when Mabuza responded to a call for help from his girlfriend, whose vehicle had broken down on the Benrose west on-ramp of the M2 freeway. As a tow truck arrived to assist, a group of armed men confronted them.
The attackers disarmed the tow truck driver and shot Mabuza before pulling him from his vehicle. The tow truck driver managed to flee the scene and alerted officers at Jeppe Police Station.
Meanwhile, Mabuza and his girlfriend crossed the freeway and were transported to Brenthurst Hospital, where the officer later died from his injuries. Two firearms were stolen during the robbery.
Following weeks of investigation, an integrated team led by the Hawks Tactical Operational Management Section, SAPS Crime Intelligence, and private security companies BadBoyz Security and Vision Tactical executed search warrants at three Johannesburg addresses.
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Police seized three unlicensed 9mm firearms – two Barrett pistols with visible serial numbers and one Norinco pistol with its serial number filed off – as well as ammunition, a laptop, a cellphone, and a silver-grey BMW suspected to have been used during the crime.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today.
SAPS has commended the team for the arrests and recovery of evidence, reinforcing its commitment to tackling violent crimes against officers and citizens alike.
