The Hawks, a specialized unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS), made a significant breakthrough in the case of the suspected police killer.
Acting swiftly, the suspect, aged 33, was apprehended just 8 hours after the murder took place in Lebowakgomo. The arrest was carried out by the Hawks in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, where the suspect was located.
According to Hawks Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Matimba Maluleke, the incident occurred in the early hours of July 15, 2023. An off-duty police official stationed at SAPS Burgersfort was tragically gunned down in Lebowakgomo by unknown assailants driving a Bronze Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI.
In response to the crime, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lt General Godfrey Lebeya, immediately implemented a strategic 72-hour plan to hunt down the suspects. Major General Gopz Govender, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, led the multidisciplinary team responsible for the investigation.
Through diligent efforts, the team, which included members from various law enforcement agencies and security companies, were able to identify Braamfontein in Johannesburg as a potential location for the suspects. On the same day as the murder, the team successfully located a vehicle matching the suspect’s description. Taking immediate action, they tactically cornered the vehicle and apprehended the suspected killer.
Further investigation led the team to the suspect’s residence in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion. A search of the premises yielded crucial evidence, including a firearm suspected to have been used in the murder, a large sum of money, a cellphone, and the seized vehicle, a GTI Golf 7.
As the investigation progresses, efforts are being made to ascertain whether the suspect is involved in other crimes.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court in the near future. Charges to be faced include murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, and any additional offenses uncovered during the ongoing investigation.
Lt General Godfrey Lebeya commended the team’s swift and efficient response, stating, “Although there was a 72-hour operational plan in place, the case was cracked within 8 hours.” This accomplishment highlights the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement in swiftly bringing justice to the victims and their families.
#sapsHAWKS A suspected police killer aged 33 was arrested by a multidisciplinary team in Braamfontein on 15 July 2023 within 8 hours after the murder of a police Sergeant. Firearm and large amount of money seized. #PoliceKillings MLhttps://t.co/bW2X10NuSQ pic.twitter.com/6AJf6rcsqp
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 16, 2023
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