A significant breakthrough has been made in the investigation of the tragic murders of two constables in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State. On Wednesday, a suspect was arrested near the Monontsha Port of Entry, after an intense multi-agency operation led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).
Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that the suspect was apprehended while attempting to flee South Africa on horseback, seemingly aiming to escape into neighboring Lesotho. The arrest was the culmination of tireless work by the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC).
The suspect, who is reportedly in South Africa illegally, was found in possession of two key pieces of evidence: a cellphone believed to have been stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used in the murders of Constables Sipho Mohapi and Gedione Motloung.
The two constables, stationed at Namahadi police station in QwaQwa, were tragically gunned down while responding to a house robbery complaint earlier this month. The ruthless attack left the community in shock, and the loss of two brave officers has underscored the growing challenges law enforcement faces.
National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General (Adv/Dr) Godfrey Lebeya, praised the swift response of the multi-disciplinary team for their relentless pursuit of justice. He expressed hope that the arrest would bring some relief to the families and colleagues of the slain officers. “A search for two outstanding suspects continues,” he said, reassuring the public that every effort is being made to bring those responsible to justice.
The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery. Authorities remain committed to ensuring that all those involved in the heinous crime are apprehended, and justice is served.
