A 34- year old suspect is expected to appear before the Belfast Magistrate Court on Friday, 4 October 2024 for illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions.
This follows a lengthy investigation was carried forward by a multidisciplinary team comprising of Middelburg based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, KwaMhlanga Crime Intelligence, Middelburg K9, Kwaggafontein Detectives, Hazyview Public Order Police unit (POP) and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) involved in tracing a suspect who was suspected to have murdered the late Constable Mdluli, who was stationed at Kwaggafontein Police Station.
It is alleged that during the night of 26 May 2020, the late Constable Mdluli, stationed at Kwaggafontein Police Station, was on duty together with his colleagues, doing normal patrol duties when they noticed a suspicious speeding vehicle. The members followed the vehicle and attempted to stop it.
During a confrontation with the driver, it was reported that three suspects started shooting at the Police member
s, fatally wounding the late Constable Mdluli, before they fled the crime scene in a VW white Polo.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was hijacked and the victim was still inside the vehicle. The victim reported that he was hijacked by three suspects who were driving a white Polo with police blue light. He further alleged that the police officer was shot by one of those suspects.
Information was gathered regarding the suspect. A warrant of arrest was authorised and executed at Dullstroom in search of the suspect. The suspect was found at his parents’ residence and was arrested on the same day. During the arrest, a search was conducted and a pistol with obliterated numbers was found hidden in a toilet with a magazine and 6 live rounds. The exhibits were packaged and sent for ballistic analysis.
The suspect was taken to Belfast Magistrate court on 27 May 2020, to appear on charges of possession of illegal firearm and unlawful possession of ammunitions.
The matter was not placed on the cour
t roll pending the ballistic analysis report regarding the firearm
The case was handed over to the Hawks Middelburg based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further investigation. After a lengthy period, the ballistic report was obtained.
A J50 warrant of arrest was authorised and executed on Wednesday, 2 October 2024, following information regarding the hideout of the suspect. KwaMhlanga Crime Intelligence (CI) and Hazyview Public Order Police unit (POP) swiftly operationalised the information and arrested the suspect.
The suspect was charged and detained pending his court appearance on Friday, 4 October 2024. Investigation is continuing.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Gerber applauded the multidisciplinary team for the speedy arrest of the suspect after a J50 was authorised. He further gave a stern warning to criminals who threaten and harm the safety of the police officers who are protecting the community. Major General Gerber assured the p
ublic that ‘As the Hawks we shall investigate and arrest all perpetrators of crime without fear or favour. He concluded’.
Source: South African Police Service