Phuthaditjhaba: A Lesotho national has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of two police officers in the Free State. Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing in Qwaqwa were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on 4 January 2024.

According to South African Government News Agency, a statement released by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Thursday detailed the arrest of the male suspect, who is in South Africa illegally. He was traced and apprehended in Phuthaditjhaba by a team that included the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Provincial Organised Crime, and Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) on Wednesday.

The statement revealed that the suspect was caught on horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry while allegedly attempting to flee into neighboring Lesotho. He was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used in the murders.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and robbery. The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Advocate/Dr. Godfrey Lebeya, commended the multi-disciplinary team for their relentless efforts leading to this breakthrough.

Advocate Lebeya also mentioned that the search for two outstanding suspects is ongoing. The public is encouraged to assist with information by contacting detective Captain Michael Masekoa at 082 455 6063.