POLICE have arrested the man wanted for the murder of Berea policeman, Constable Siphelele Cele in Winter Avenue, Berea on Friday. The man was arrested on 25 January in the Pietermaritzburg area.
According to reports, police received information regarding the suspect while on a joint operation in the Pietermaritzburg area.
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The man was attempting to board a bus to Johannesburg when he noticed police about to approach him. He attempted to flee but was apprehended by a K9 officer.
Police found a state firearm, magazine and live ammunition linked to a case in Umlazi last month, as well as the murder of the Berea policeman on Friday, in his possession.
The man was first charged with being in unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and was detained at the Pietermaritzburg police station before being transported to Durban where he was charged with Const Cele’s murder.
Cele was shot and killed when he and another officer stopped a suspicious-looking vehicle in Berea.
ALSO READ: Police Commissioner calls for manhunt following murder of two Durban officers
The passenger shot at Cele, before moving into the driver’s seat and driving off. The other suspect was arrested and the vehicle was found abandoned in Sydenham later on that day.
The National Police Commissioner, Gen Khehla John Sitole, called for a manhunt for the men wanted for the killing of Cele and a SAPS Captain from the Mariannhill Public Order Policing Unit on Thursday night.
He instructed the implementation of a 72-hour activation plan in a bid to ensure that police mobilise resources to ensure that those behind the murders are dealt with in terms of the law. All necessary role players were deployed to effect arrests.
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