On January 20, 2023, a team of law enforcement authorities detained a 33-year-old suspect in connection with the murder of a police officer.
In Bellville, a multi-disciplinary team comprised of members of the Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime (NPVC) apprehended the suspect.
Police allege he is connected to the June 1, 2022 murder of 49-year-old Warrant Officer Siyakubonga Gladson Mpakathi.
The cop was shot through the window of a car.
The hawks said in a statement that Mpakathi was shot and killed on Ngulube Street in Browns farm.
Mpakathi was a member of the Rapid Rail Unit and was driving his own car towards the Phillipi train station when he was shot through the vehicle window. He died on the scene.
This arrest and breakthrough comes following the arrest of his co-accused, Xolisa Lufutha, age 42.
Lufutha was detained by police on November 18, 2022.
The judge successfully refused bail to Lufutha, who is now remanded in custody.
On Monday, January 23, 2023, the suspect is scheduled to make his first appearance before the Athlone Magistrate Court.
Six months after he was reported missing, police detained a suspect in connection with the abduction and death of a 23-year-old man in a separate incident.
The 41-year-old suspect was apprehended on January 17, 2023, after a 23-year-old Kwena Mokoka man from the village of Mafefe was reported missing in July 2022.
After months of looking for the victim, investigators were able to conclusively connect the suspect to the occurrence.
The remains of the victims were discovered inside a concrete pipe near the local river.
»Suspect arrested for the murder of a police officer«