Suspect arrested for murder of off-duty officer at barber shop

A 55-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of an off-duty police officer at a barber shop in Bramley View, Johannesburg.

A vehicle was traced to the same neighbourhood

The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit arrested the suspect for the murder of 51-year-old Warrant Officer Soldier Charles Mgimba. Mgimba was at a street barber shop at the corners of Keefe and Vangelder streets.

An unknown gunman walked in and reportedly shot Mgimba in the forehead. Spokesperson for the Hawks Captain Lloyd Ramovha revealed that a vehicle suspected to be the getaway vehicle in the matter was traced to the same neighbourhood, reports TimesLIVE.

Ramovha said that a multidisciplinary operation was conducted on Thursday, 15 September, and the suspect was arrested at his residence. A firearm was seized and is the subject of a ballistic inquiry. 

The suspect is expected in court soon

The 55-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Alexander Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 September.

“On Thursday, September 15, a multidisciplinary operation was conducted, led by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, in concert with K9, Metro Police, Local Criminal Record Centre and Saturated Unit. The suspect was consequently arrested at his residence. A firearm suspected to have been used in the incident was also seized, it is now a subject of a ballistic inquiry pending further details,” said Ramovha.

Background: Off-duty officer KILLED at barber shop in Sandton

Previously, it was reported that an off-duty warrant officer was shot dead while getting his hair cut at a barbershop in Sandton. It is understood that the SAPS member, based at the Sandton Police Station, was at the barbershop on Friday, 26 August.

An unknown man reportedly approached the officer, fired several shots and fled the scene. South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said police are investigating a case of murder. 

According to Netshiunda, the man approached the cop from behind and started swearing at him before opening fire. The cop was declared dead at the scene. Read the full story here.