Five arrested after Mpumalanga police officer killed in apparent hit [UPDATE]

Police confirmed that five suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 59-year-old police officer who was shot dead in an apparent hit in Mpumalanga.

The acting provincial police commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed the arrests.

Arrests

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the five suspects were handcuffed on Friday.

“The suspects aged between 29 and 40 are believed to be linked to the killing of an on-duty police officer, Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, on Thursday in Ermelo in less than 24 hours.

“The acting provincial commissioner will today (17 January 2025) visit the bereaved family of the late, Lt Col Pretorius. A vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime has also been found torched this morning next to Extension 7 in Ermelo,” Ndubane said.

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Shooting

Pretorius, commander of the vehicle identification unit in Ermelo, was reportedly on his way to see an informant when an armed suspect accosted him.

Ndubane said they are investigating the motive of the apparent hit.

“Circumstances surrounding this incident are still sketchy at this stage, and more details will be shared at a later stage. However, it is reported that Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius was driving in an official vehicle when he was shot. The vehicle was riddled with bullet holes.

“After the shooting, the assailant allegedly got into a white sedan and fled the scene.”

Ndubane said a team of experts in the investigation field has been assembled to probe the incident.

Condolences  

Mkhwanazi has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the colonel’s family, friends and colleagues.

“Killing of police is a direct attack on the state. We are adamant that we will soon make a breakthrough as the society has been robbed of an asset that was contributing to their safety.”

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