SAPS officer killed while allegedly committing robbery in Mpumalanga
A South African Police Services (SAPS) detective has been killed while allegedly carrying out a robbery.
The incident took place on Friday night Belfast in Mpumalanga.
His three accomplices have have been arrested.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said a group of armed men, posing as police officers, ambushed the occupants of a VW Polo who had stopped on the roadside to relieve themselves.
“The victims were held at gunpoint and ordered to lie on the ground. Fortnuately members of the SAPS Anti-Hijack Task Team and the Middelburg K9 Unit were patrolling the area as part of an operation to curb robberies in the region.
“Officers noticed the suspicious activity and approached the scene, identifying themselves as police.”
The suspects allegedly opened fire before fleeing in a white Datsun Go.
A high-speed chase ensued, ending when the getaway vehicle crashed into a tree on Bhekumuzi Masango Drive.
Police cornered the suspects and discovered the body of a 54-year-old Pienaar SAPS detective in the back seat of the car.
“Authorities believe the officer may have been fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire, though investigations are ongoing. Two firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene.
“The fourth suspect, who fled on foot, was later apprehended near the N4 towards Machadodorp.”
Police also confirmed that a state vehicle, a Toyota Hilux belonging to Pienaar Detectives, was recovered at a nearby farm. Investigators are probing whether it was used in the commission of the crime without proper authorisation.
The arrested suspects, aged between 30 and 42, are facing charges of attempted hijacking, robbery with a firearm, attempted murder, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the involvement of a police officer in the crime.
“It is a shameful act when an individual sworn to uphold the law is found on the other side of it,” he said.
“As the SAPS, we distance ourselves from any criminality. It is either that our members are with us against crime or consequences will follow for their criminal activities. One cannot serve two masters.”
IOL NEWS