By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Five suspects were arrested early today in the village of Logageng.
They were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Detective service, Tactical Response Team and members of the Local Criminal Records, for the alleged murders of Constable Simon Ngakaemang Ntsekeletsa (50) and Sergeant Mojalefa Horatius Molete (42).
The cops were stationed at the Mareetsane police station.
It is alleged that on 26 July 2021 around 9pm, the two police officers were on patrol duties with a state vehicle when they came across a vehicle loaded with suspected stolen goats.
Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso, said the members reported the incident to the commanding officer and indicated that they would take the suspect’s vehicle to the police station shortly.
According to Rikhotso, about an hour later, the cops reported that they were a short distance from the police station.
However, the police never arrived at the police station and could not be reached with both a mobile phone and a police radio.
This resulted in an immediate manhunt for them.
“On 27 July 2021 the police were alerted by community members of blood stains on the road leading to the police station. When the scene was visited, a knife and a police badge belonging to one of the deceased was found and a second badge was found near Mareetsane road,” Rikhotso said.
Rikhotso said that further investigations led the team to a burnt state vehicle in which the bodies of deceased police officers were found.
“The team followed all leads and worked tirelessly until they traced and arrested the five suspects who were allegedly found in possession of a 9mm pistol which was taken from the slain police officers.
“A hammer, clothing with suspected blood stains and a vehicle have been seized for further investigation,” said Rikhotso.
While condemning the acts of the perpetrators, the National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya applauded the joint team for the swift arrest and recovery of the police firearm.
Lebeya also extended his most sincere condolences to the families:
“We certainly hope that the families of our fallen police officers would find comfort in the arrest of suspects and look forward to successful prosecution on these criminal acts. ”
The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele declared that an attack against the police was also an attack against the state.
“This is why we will leave no stone unturned and will utilise all resources at our disposal to ensure those who commit such heinous acts against our officers in blue are found and face the full might of the law,” Cele said.
The suspects will appear for the first time on 30 July 2021 in Ganyesa court on charges of murder, malicious damage to property and possession of a stolen firearm.
