NELSPRUIT – Police at Leslie are investigating a horrific incident which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Friday, 25 November 2022 around 01:25. A 46-year-old security guard was brutally killed as he was reportedly responding to what looks like a theft being carried out by criminal(s) at a business site in a sewage plantation in Leslie whereby an electric cable was stolen.

According to the information at police disposal, after the incident was reported to a certain security company, a vehicle was dispatched for investigation purposes and it was driven by the said guard. The Police at Leslie were also alerted about the incident in progress and the members went to the premises as per information provided. Upon arrival at the scene, the police were met with the gruesome scene of the lifeless body of the guard. Emergency Medical Personnel were also summoned to the scene. On closer observation, police discovered some cartridges on the scene. The slain security guard is reported to have sustained serious injuries on his throat. The security officer was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics. Preliminary investigation suggests that a personal firearm belonging to the victim could have been stolen as well during the incident. Further than that, police discovered that an electric cable was also stolen during the said incident. Currently a murder case is being investigated with an additional charge of theft (of electric cable). The family of the security guard is yet to identify his body. No one has been arrested so far however police are working around the clock to ensure that the perpetrator(s) is/are swiftly brought to book. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the attack on the law enforcement agencies. “We will use all available resources to hunt down, ensuring that those who are involved in the security officer’s murder feels the might of the law” warned the General.

Source: South African Police Service