An intense investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, Secunda-based serious organised crime investigation unit, has exposed more alleged criminal activities linked to the murder case of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius in Ermelo.

According to the media statement from the DPCI, on Tuesday, January 21, one of the accused had previously been a robbery victim in eMalahleni in 2018, where his BMW was stolen.

Interestingly, the same BMW was found torched in Ermelo, suspected to have been used as a getaway vehicle in the murder.

The investigating team made a breakthrough when they visited the residence of one of the murder suspects, finding three BMWs on the premises.

Further investigation revealed that one of the BMWs was the same vehicle reportedly stolen from the suspect in eMalahleni six years ago.

Preliminary investigations also showed that the VIN had been tampered with.

In addition, the team found 50 license discs and documents at the suspect’s premises, some of which had already been used, while others were still intact.

The suspected BMW 325i and vehicle documents were seized, and an inquiry was registered for further investigation.

Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, assured that the team is vigorously pursuing all leads and gathering evidence as required.

The investigation is ongoing, and the team may uncover more evidence that could lead to additional criminal charges against the accused.

Pretorius, Commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, was gunned down in Ermelo on January 16.

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