Two in court following shooting of police constable
The constable was shot after he and his partner were summoned to the scene of a business robbery outside Louis Trichardt.
LIMPOPO –Â Two men accused of shooting a 31-year-old police constable are appearing in the Tshilwavhusikhu Magistrate’s Court today (Monday, 29 March).
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapleo says Constable Rabelani Charity Netshivhambe was shot during a confrontation in Maebane Village on Friday. He was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries the following day.
Mojapelo added that the constable was tracing suspects linked to a spate of business robberies when the shooting occurred. “The constable and his partner were called out to investigate complaints of business robberies which occurred at Madombidzha, Madabani, Tshikwarani and Maebane wherein two suspects had robbed spaza shop owners. While the members were searching for the suspects, they came across two men on foot in Maebane Village. The men matched the description of the robbery suspects given and when the members attempted to stop them one suspect produced a firearm and shot the constable in the thigh.”
A 72-Hour Activation Plan was mobilised and the suspects, aged 32 and 41, were arrested a day later at their hideouts in Maebane. “A9 mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the arrest,” Mojapleo said.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole has commended the Limpopo police for the swift arrest of the perpetrators involved. He also sent his condolences, on behalf of the police, to the family and friends of the deceased member.
