The Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime (NPVC) team, in conjunction with the Western Cape Flying Squad, have arrested two suspects for their alleged involvement in the murders of a SAPS officer and a civilian.
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The off-duty sergeant, who was attached to the Cape Town Central Police Station, and his friend were gunned down in Site C in Khayelitsha on Friday, 26 January before three unknown males fled on foot.
Both the officer and civilian passed away in hospital.
The incident came a day before the country commemorated National Police Day on Saturday, 27 January.
The suspects, aged 24 and 32, were arrested yesterday and are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court today.
Western Cape Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Mathipa Makgato applauded the team for a swift and prompt investigation leading to the arrests of the two suspects.
Makgato also reiterated that the Hawks will leave no stone unturned whenever a police official is killed.
Upon hearing the news of the police officer’s death, Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen said he was deeply saddened by the fatal shooting.
‘I expressed my sincere condolences to the family, friends, loved ones and colleagues of both victims,’ said Allen.
According to the MEC, the provincial SAPS force lost seven off-duty officers from July to September 2023.
‘My stance remains that an attack on any law enforcement officer, including a SAPS member, is an attack on the state as these men and women are the defenders of our country’s laws,’ added Allen. ‘Perpetrators, in these circumstances, should face the relevant penalties.’
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