Minister of Police Bheki Cele, along with Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt Gen Fannie Masemola, attended the first court appearance of the four suspects arrested for the alleged murder of an Elsburg police officer.
The suspects appeared in the Germiston Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
The police officer, Const Motlalentoa Mahlatsi (37), was shot and killed in Elsburg, in the early hours of July 11 while responding to a complaint.
The first three suspects were arrested within 48 hours of Mahlatsi’s death and 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.
The fourth suspect, aged 32, was nabbed on July 14 in Germiston and found in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
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“We condemn these senseless killings of members in blue.
“SAPS members are a national asset and they need to be protected by all of us, including members of the community.
“We say no to bail for those who kill police officers,” said Cele.
With regard to the proceedings in court, Reneilwe Serero, spokesperson for the Minister of Police, said, “All four suspects are still in custody and were granted an opportunity to appoint legal representation.
“Suspect one has been linked to eight murders, where two of the eight victims were police officers, and suspect four was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition alleged to be the property of the deceased.”
The matter has been postponed to July 30 for further investigation.
The police are appealing to all members of the public to assist with information towards identifying more suspects, by reporting to the nearest police station or by calling the toll free Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
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