wo suspects arrested in connection with alleged ambush attempt on police officers in Vryheid. Image. Image: Twitter/@SAPoliceservic
Brother of murder suspect implicated in attack on KZN police officers
Two suspects have been arrested after an alleged ambush attempt on police officers in Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal.
wo suspects arrested in connection with alleged ambush attempt on police officers in Vryheid. Image. Image: Twitter/@SAPoliceservic
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an alleged ambush attempt on two police officers in Vryheid on Tuesday afternoon, 4 April. The officers, who are part of the KwaZulu-Natal Task Team, were driving to work in the company of another colleague when the suspects opened fire on the vehicle.
Police return fire, force suspects to flee into nearby bushes
Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the officers returned fire and forced the suspects to flee into the nearby bushes.
“The officers were not harmed, however, their colleague sustained gunshot wounds on both arms and was rushed to hospital for treatment.
“A search for the suspects was instituted immediately, and with the help of a K9, the suspects were found, and they continued firing more shots at the police before surrendering,” said the police spokesperson.
An AK47 assault rifle and two pistols were found in the possession of the two suspects. One of the handguns was licensed.
Ambush linked to ongoing murder case
The police’s preliminary investigation revealed that the brother of one of the suspects is currently in custody for the alleged murder of Sergeant Sakheyedwa Mlambo,
The brother was due to appear in court on the day of the attack, and one of the ambushed officers is opposing bail in the matter.
“Sgt Mlambo, who was attached to Vryheid Crime Intelligence, was brutally shot and killed at the Hwanqana area in December 2021. One of the arrested suspects was also wanted for the murder of Sgt Mlambo’s father, Bhekuyise who was shot and killed at his home in January 2020,” said the police spokesperson.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 6 April, on three counts of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
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