UPDATE: Two arrested for Scottburgh police officer’s murder

UPDATE: May 11

TWO suspects wanted in connection to the murder of Scottburgh SAPS policeman, Warrant Officer Sakhile Shabane have been arrested.

The arrests follow an intelligence driven operation which resulted in a 34-year-old Umzinto man being arrested on Tuesday this week, and last night (Wednesday), a massive operation carried out by various policing units resulted in another suspect being arrested.

He was taken into custody after police traced him to Umlazi.

Two cellphones which were allegedly taken from Warrant Officer Shabane and his colleague were recovered.

Further investigations are underway.

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“Ndumiso Masuku (34) appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court today, (Thursday) on charges of armed robbery, attempted murder and carjacking in the Park Rynie case,” said Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.

Masuku during the night of March 20 robbed, shot and hijacked a 55-year-old man who was parked at the Park Rynie beachfront. He is expected to appear in the same court again on May 17 alongside his co-accused in connection to the murder of Warrant Officer Shabane.

They will face further charges of murder, armed robbery and kidnapping in connection to this case.

Major General Agnes Nxamagele commended and praised all the members who worked tirelessly with dedications and commitment. “The long hours of hard work since the policeman’s killing, often through the night, have paid dividends. We hope that the arrests of the suspects will finally give the Shabane family a sense of closure,” she said.

UPDATE: April 12

MURDERED in order for two criminals to score a vehicle and some cash, Warrant Officer Sakhile Shabane’s killers are still on the loose and his family, friends and colleagues watched as he was laid to rest, knowing they are still out there.

The Scottburgh SAPS held a memorial service for W/O Shabane  at the Scottburgh Town Hall last Wednesday, where many paid tribute to the fallen policeman.

He was laid to rest on at his family’s homestead in Qolo Qolo Ward, Mtwalume last Sunday.

“W/O Shabane will be fondly remembered by his colleagues in the South African Police Service, his family, relatives, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum.

UPDATE:

CONFIRMING this afternoon that a male policeman had been shot and killed last night, Scottburgh SAPS communications officer, Captain Vincent Pandarum said that the officer had been shot in the abdomen and had died at the scene.

Warrant Officer Sakhile Shabane of the Scottburgh SAPS and a 42-year-old colleague were off-duty when they were approached by two men who held them up at gunpoint and demanded their cellphones.

The two officers were in a stationary vehicle at a loading zone in Shayamoya.

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“Shots were fired and a round struck Shabane in the abdomen. He ran off into the sugarcane field,” said Captain Pandarum.

The female police officer was then forced into the boot of the vehicle by the  men who drove her into the Umzinto central business district where she was made to withdraw money from an ATM.

They then forced her back into the vehicle and drove to Umgababa. The hijackers then removed her from the vehicle and forced her into another vehicle – a Nissan Sentra, which was driven by a third suspect – and headed for Amanzimtoti.

She was again made to withdraw more money from an ATM and forced back into the boot of the vehicle before being driven back to Umgababa.

“She was set free with a warning not to look at them. Leaving her there, the suspects drove off,” said Captain Pandarum.

The woman sought assistance at a nearby house and was fetched by police.

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The Umzinto SAPS has registered cases of murder, armed robbery and kidnapping for investigation and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward or contact the investigating officer, Detective Warrant Officer Steyn Moonsamy at 039-974 6500 / 6556 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or their nearest police station.

A task team has been set up to work with him to identify and arrest the men involved.

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ORIGINAL STORY:

TWO off-duty police officers were hijacked in the Umzinto area at about 8pm last night by three armed men.

It is believed that the male officer was shot and killed at the time of the hijacking while his female colleague was abducted.

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She was later dropped off in Ilfracombe near Umkomaas and made to walk to the nearest police station where she raised the alarm.

Be on the lookout for a silver/grey Toyota Tazz with registration ND 184280.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Scottburgh SAPS on 039  978 1900.

As this is a developing story, more information will be made available when possible.

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