Five suspects have been apprehended in connection with the murder of Mpumalanga police officer, Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, who was tragically killed on Thursday afternoon. Pretorius, a 59-year-old commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, was shot and killed around 2 p.m. in what authorities are describing as a targeted attack.
A swift and coordinated response from the police saw the activation of a 72-hour plan aimed at capturing the suspects. Within less than 24 hours, a multi-disciplinary team, which included members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), detectives, intelligence officers, and private security, successfully tracked the perpetrators to Nelspruit.
The five men, aged between 29 and 40, were arrested and are expected to face charges related to the officer’s murder. As the investigation unfolded, authorities also discovered a burnt-out vehicle believed to have been used as the suspects’ getaway car, adding further weight to the case.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed the breakthrough and reiterated that the police were committed to bringing those responsible for the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius to justice. He emphasized the dedication of the team involved, which had left “no stone unturned” in their pursuit of the suspects.
The arrested men are now facing serious charges and will soon appear in court, as the community and law enforcement alike await justice for the tragic loss of a dedicated officer.
