Teamwork between Scottburgh and Hibberdene SAPS saw detectives source information on a suspect wanted for the November 2016 killing of an Msinsini policeman in Hibberdene and track down and bust the suspect.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Thulani Zwane said cops were able to zero in on the alleged killer on Wednesday after receiving info that suspects who were in possession of an unlicensed firearm, were travelling north from Port Shepstone towards Durban on the N2 freeway.
The details were sent out to members of the Umlazi K9 unit, Umzinto K9 unit and the Scottburgh SAPS Crime Prevention who responded.
The suspects were travelling in a silver VW Polo with Gauteng registration plates and a high speed chase ensued.
Zwane said some of the police officers entered the freeway at Park Rynie, ahead of the suspects who were being chased by others from further south. Exercising due caution the members chasing from the south approached the suspect’s vehicle from the rear.
“The policemen managed to expertly box the suspects in and bring their vehicle to a halt opposite the Scottburgh mall without a single shot being fired, any vehicle being damaged or anybody getting hurt. The suspects had no time to contemplate fleeing as they were immediately surrounded by the members.”
Zwane said there were four occupants in the VW Polo, one of them identified as the man wanted on a warrant of arrest for the murder of Constable Siyabonga Mbele, 28, who was shot multiple times and killed in Makhoso Ward in Hibberdene on the November 30 last year.
The 23-year-old suspect also faces charges of attempted murder, armed robbery and theft of motor vehicle. The policeman’s service pistol had also been stolen at the time of his murder.
“The trial of the other accused arrested in the case is currently under way and has been remanded until September 1 this year. The arrested suspect will join them in court to stand trial.”
Zwane said when police searched the Polo, they found two bags in the boot of the car, containing a gas gun and an unlicensed 9mm pistol loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition. Police also found three balaclavas and two overalls.
The vehicle was impounded by police.
“This is sterling work by our members. Criminals must know that they cannot escape the long arm of the law. I have requested the detectives to profile the arrested men and to have the firearm tested by the ballistics experts.
"I am immensely pleased with the professionalism and dedication displayed by all the members,” said KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa.
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