Rustenburg - Seven suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a North West policeman are expected to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday, the Hawks said.
Constable Baliki Mogapi, 33, was shot dead after he and his partner responded to an ATM alarm early Friday morning, in Hartbeesfontein outside Klerksdorp.
“It is alleged a group of about eight armed suspects were already in the process of breaching the ATM machine when the two members approached what they believed was a security van,” said Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi.
“Unbeknown to them as they proceeded to engage the supposed security guard, he alighted from the vehicle and shot at the members fatally wounding Constable Mogapi in the process. His partner managed to exit the SAPS vehicle and subsequently fired a single shot in the direction of the fleeing assailant.”
The Hawks launched a manhunt assisted by the Provincial Tactical Response Team, which led to the arrest of the seven suspects around Pretoria and Katlehong.
“Two pistols and two vehicles were seized. Members are on the hunt for the eighth suspect,” said Mulaudzi.
The seven aged between 33 and 47 years face charges of murder, attempted murder, business burglary and the Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
African News Agency