A man is set to appear in court tomorrow in connection with the murder of a law enforcement officer in KwaZulu-Natal. The case has garnered significant attention as authorities continue their efforts to bring justice for the fallen officer.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of KwaDukuza Municipality’s Crime Prevention Unit Superintendent, Desmond Arumugam, who was tragically killed last Monday. Arumugam, 50, was shot while investigating a taxi parked incorrectly on a bridge near the Groutville Road Traffic Inspectorate offices. The taxi had attracted his attention after the driver had been robbed at gunpoint by a man who had boarded the vehicle in KwaDukuza and was traveling to Durban. During the robbery, the suspect stole R2,500 from the driver and cell phones from four passengers while on the N2 near Thembeni.
Arumugam approached the vehicle to investigate but was shot as he walked toward the taxi. The suspect then fled the scene, abandoning the taxi in Thembeni with the passengers still inside. A swift investigation by the KwaDukuza serious and violent crimes unit, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, led officers to the KwaMashu Hostel and the Thubelihle informal settlement in Melmoth, where the suspect was ultimately arrested. The police recovered a 9mm Taurus pistol, two magazines, and 32 rounds of live ammunition from his KwaMashu residence.
The suspect has been charged with murder, carjacking, armed robbery, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. He is scheduled to appear in both the KwaDukuza and Ntuzuma Magistrate’s Courts tomorrow. District Commissioner Major General Anthony Gopaul commended the KwaDukuza Police Station commander, Brigadier Sbongile Mhlongo, and her team for their quick response and successful investigation, which led to the arrest and recovery of the weapon.
