Cape Town - The South African police have launched a massive manhunt for an alleged rhino poacher who is believed to have shot dead the investigating officer in his case and is also wanted on a string of other serious charges.
The Directorate for priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said in a statement on Thursday: “The Hawks have launched a massive manhunt for a man who is suspected of killing a police constable in Mpumalanga yesterday. Constable Joseph Baloyi (35), an investigating officer who was stationed at Kabokweni police station in Mpumalanga was shot and killed while driving into his house on Wednesday evening.
“Police are hot on the heels of the suspected hit man, Mthobisi Lennox Ngwenyama (pictured), a 33-year-old who escaped form lawful custody on 13 May 2015 when he was about to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rhino poaching in 2014, which Baloyi was investigating.”
Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said: “Ngwenyama is also facing serious charges which include amongst others a car hijacking which he allegedly committed last year, a 2012 house robbery, two housebreaking which he alleged to have committed in 2012.
“A case of attempted murder was also registered against Ngwenyama on Monday this week after he allegedly shot his friend on the leg following an argument over money,” Mulaudzi added. “Hawks have learnt that Ngwenyama’s hit list include two other Hawks members and are determined to bring the suspect to book before any further bloodshed.”
Acting Head of the DPCI Major General Mthandazo Ntlemeza expressed his shock and outrage at the killing of Baloyi.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Baloyi and will be deploying members the chaplaincy unit to offer counselling in this their time of grief.
“We wish to assure the public that our resolve to win the battle against violent crimes will not be shaken by this incident. Additionally, these blatant attacks on our members will not deter us from carrying out our duty to the nation. The manhunt is on, we will not rest until Ngwenyama is behind bars,” said Ntlemeza.
“We value public support in this difficult task and appeal to anyone with information that can assist the investigation into the death of Constable Baloyi to contact Captain Brian Thela on 0823409901, Crime Stop 086001011 or the nearest police station.”
ANA