THREE men who kidnapped and shot two Inanda police officers on Tuesday, 22 September were arrested in Mariannhill on Wednesday.
It is believed that the police officers went to the Namibia informal settlement to serve a protection order.
Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane said it is alleged the police officers were overpowered by three men who removed their guns and stripped them of their police uniforms before locking them at the back of the police van.
The men drove to Ngcungcwini area where they shot the policemen.
“One police officer died instantly and another was wounded. She was then airlifted to hospital,” said Zwane.
The two men left the police van behind and fled the scene on foot.
A case of murder and attempted murder was opened at the Inanda police station and was transferred to the Durban Organised Crime Unit for investigation.
Zwane said police searched a home of one of the men in a follow up operations on Tuesday.
“Police recovered clothing and police officers’ belongings as well as an AK47 rifle. On Wednesday morning, SAPS officers made a breakthrough when they arrested the three men who were in hiding Mariannhill outside Pinetown.
“Police from Mariannhill received information about the whereabouts of the men. This was after we made a call for assistance from the community. Police officers then proceeded to Mpola area in Mariannhill and arrested the three me,” he said, adding that three firearms, including the two taken from the murdered policemen, were recovered.
“The three men aged between 18 and 26 will appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrates Court facing charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as kidnapping,” added Zwane.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni congratulated police on the arrests. “While we are still in shock after the callous attack on our police officers, it is comforting to know that the perpetrators are behind bars.
“We hope that these arrests bring relief to the grieving families of our police officers. We will ensure that we do everything within our control so that these thugs are brought to book,” she said.
