Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a police officer near Eshowe on Wednesday.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said in a statement that the SAPS detective team had made the breakthrough on Sunday morning.
He said that Constable Jabulani Mavundla, stationed at Mbongolwane police station, had been on duty with his colleague when they attended to a complaint of robbery in the Maqhogo area last week.
“On their way back to the station, it is alleged that they were ambushed by the criminals who opened fire at them. Constable Mavundla was shot and lost control of the vehicle, hitting the trees nearby.”
He died at the scene and his colleague was taken to hospital for treatment.
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“The suspects stole Mavundla’s service pistol and rifle before they fled the scene. Charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery were opened at Mbongolwane police station for further investigation.”
Zwane said on Sunday that the suspects had been traced to Esikhaleni Township where they had been in hiding.
“They were found in possession of two firearms, a pistol and an R5 rifle, suspected to be taken from Constable Mavundla during the attack. Both suspects, aged 21 and 22, will be charged for murder, attempted murder and robbery. They will appear in the Eshowe Magistrate’s Court soon.”