KZN cop killed with suspect inside police vehicle

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is mourning the loss of one of their own, who was killed in the line of duty, Constable Jeandre Andries Jacobus Venter.

The 30-year-old had been stationed at the Alexandra Road Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit was at Msinga with his colleague at approximately 20:30 on Wednesday, 11 November 2020. The pair was set arrest two suspects who were wanted for the theft of a motor vehicle that was stolen in Willowfontein back in October 2020.

“They proceeded to Mbabane Road in Msinga where they arrested a 25-year-old suspect,” said KZN SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker.

“They continued to another homestead to arrest the second suspect. Constable Venter remained in the vehicle with the arrested suspect. The other police officer proceeded to the second identified house and whilst he was few meters away, he heard gunshots being fired,” Naicker further said.

Hawks investigating murder of cop and suspect

The police officer then returned to the vehicle and discovered that Venter and the suspect had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. They were declared dead at the scene. Charges of murder were opened at Msinga SAPS and the Hawks have taken over the investigation.

The KZN Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has condemned the killing.

“It is saddening to learn of a police officer being killed at the hands of the criminals. We will not rest until we arrest all those involved and we have mobilised all our available resources to track the suspects involved. I would like to send my condolences to the family of our fallen hero,” he said.

“We are appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Crime Stop number ‪08600 10111 or to report information anonymously on the MySAPSApp”