khayelitsha police mahikeng total shutdown saps north west

Photo: SAPS

Police officer murdered in Free State shortly after finishing shift

A police constable from the Free State was shot and killed at approximately 1:30 while visiting a friend on Saturday morning. One suspect has been arrested and the hunt is on for his accomplice.

khayelitsha police mahikeng total shutdown saps north west

Photo: SAPS

A police constable was shot and killed in the Free State in the early hours of Saturday, 14 August, shortly after he finished a shift. One suspect has already been arrested for the murder and the hunt is on for his accomplice.

POLICE CONSTABLE MURDERED IN THABONG

Constable Zwelinzima San Bomvu finished his shift at the Bronville Police Station at approximately 1:30 on Saturday and visited his friend in Thabong while still in uniform, including a bullet proof vest, according to provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele.

While Bomvu was in his friend’s house, there was a knock at the door and it was an individual known to the owner of the house, who engaged both the owner and deceased in conversation before leaving.

“According to information, the same person came back with another unknown person with a balaclava. They knocked and forced entry and one shot was fired in the direction where the police official was standing,” said Makhele.

The deceased was struck on the collar bone and collapsed and died at the scene, according to the police. The incident was reported to the authorities and the Thabong Serious and Violent Crimes Unit was activated.

“Preliminary investigation was conducted thoroughly and a 46-year-old suspect was arrested by this team,” said Makhele.

HUNT FOR REMAINING SUSPECT

Major General Len Singh, the Acting Provincial police commissioner, applauded the investigating team for the speedy arrest of the first suspect.

“Taking a life of a police official is regarded as attack on authority of state, hence I urged the team to do everything in their power to trace and arrest the second suspect,” said Singh.

Any member of the public with information that may assist the police’s investigation is encouraged to contact Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Secala Vinger at 079-495-1153 or Crime Stop at 08600-10111.

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