Hezekiel Knowledge Mngono (27) and some other suspects had allegedly opened fire on two officers during a burglary.
The case was postponed to August 24 for further investigation.The spokesperson for the Hawks, Capt Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, said, “Const Amos Themba (42) succumbed to his injuries last Sunday.”
According to her, the other officer, aged 38, is still in hospital.
“Two police officers were shot while conducting their duties. They unknowingly drove into a business burglary incident on August 9 in Block C in Tonga near Komatipoort. It is alleged that upon noticing the police vehicle, the suspects opened fire and a shoot-out ensued. The two police constables were shot and rushed to hospital for medical attention,” she explained.
“An intelligence-driven operation was conducted, which led to the tracing of the suspect’s whereabouts, and he was arrested on August 15 by members of the Mpumalanga Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Crime Intelligence for murder and attempted murder,” she said.
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The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Maj Gen Zodwa Mokoena, condemned the attack on these members in blue.
“An attack on police is an attack on the state. We will leave no stone unturned and we will ensure that the remaining suspects are apprehended so that they face the full might of the law.”
The police are urging anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects to contact the investigating officers, Lt Col Erhard Ströh on 082 300 8315 or WO Mduduzi Motubatse on 072 195 0185, or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Alternatively, information can be sent via the My SAPS app, and all information will be treated with confidentiality.
