The Elsburg SAPS are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Const Motlalentoa Mahlatsi was killed in the early hours of Wednesday morning while attending to a complaint in Elsburg.
The National Commissioner of Police, Gen Khehla John Sitole has reiterated the SAPS’s stance that anyone who attacks members of the police undermines the authority of the State and will, therefore, be tracked down and arrested to face the full might of the law.
Subsequent to the killing of 37-year-old Const Motlalentoa Mahlatsi, Sitole directed the provincial management to activate the 72-hour Reaction Plan as an offensive approach to ensuring the police do not rest until the alleged culprit(s) are behind bars.
Gauteng Province’s multi-disciplinary team consisting of seasoned investigators, tactical response and tracking teams, then conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, and in the early hours of Thursday morning, less than 48 hours after the senseless killing of Mahlatsi, the team arrested three suspects and recovered two vehicles, two firearms and ammunition.
The first two suspects were arrested in Katlehong for their alleged involvement in the murder of Mahlatsi.
The police linked one of the suspects to the alleged murder of another police officer, 36-year-old Const Bafana Happy Hlungwani who was killed in Germiston in April, this year.
This suspect was also wanted on four more murder cases reported in Primrose during 2017 and 2018.
During the arrest, the police recovered a hijacked vehicle, a Chevrolet Cruz, an AK-47 assault rifle with a magazine and live rounds of ammunition.
Further investigations led the team to eMbalenhle in Mpumalanga, where they arrested the third suspect, allegedly linked to the murder of Mahlatsi.
The team confiscated two pistols and a bullet-riddled VW Polo.
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The National Commissioner has condemned the killing of police officers and has, with regards to Mahlatsi, further directed that the family of the deceased be afforded with the utmost support during this time of mourning.
“The team must be applauded for their tireless effort in tracking down the alleged killers,” said Sitole.
Members of the community are urged to work together with the police in order to fight against the continuing onslaught on police officers.
“The police are part of our communities, they are the frontline of safety and security in our country.
“I am calling on you as the community to stand against police killings and to say ‘hands off our police officers’.
“We need to reclaim our streets and to continue stamping the authority of the State,” said the National Commissioner as he was called on the community to join the fight against crime.
The suspects will be appearing in court soon.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of police killers may anonymously contact the Crime Stop toll free line on 08600 10111.
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