The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(HAWKS) has announced an arrest of a Lesotho national which ruthless shot and killed two police officers earlier this month in Phuthaditjhaba,Free State.
Sergeant Omphile Masegela has confirmed that a Lesotho national was arrested in connection with the alleged killing of Constable Sipho Mohapi and Constable Gedione Motloung of Namahadi Visible Policing.Both officers were shot and killed while responding to a house robbery in Phuthaditjhaba on Saturday,4 January 2025.
The suspect was in the country illegally and was arrested while he was trying to flee to his native country Lesotho.
Sergeant Masegela said the suspect,who is in South Africa illegally,was traced and arrested in Phuthaditjhaba by a team consisting of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks),Crime Intelligence,Tactical Response Team(TRT),Provincial Organised Crime,and Local Criminal Record Center(LCRC) on Wednesday,15 January 2025.He was caught horseback near Monontsha Port of Entry in an apparent attempt to escape into neighbouring Lesotho.The suspect was found in possession of a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used during the murders.He will appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates Court on Friday,17 January 2025 facing charges of murder,attempted murder and robbery.
The search for other suspects is still and police has requested anyone who might have an information that can lead to the arrest of these criminals to contact detective Captain Michael Masekoa on 082 455 6063.
Ethiopian national arrested for dealing with illegal cigarettes
The 33-year-old Ethiopian national was arrested for dealing with illegal cigarettes and money laundering,and appeared in court shortly today.
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said a 33-year-old Ethiopian male was arrested and charged for dealing in illicit cigarettes and money laundering following a successful operation conducted by the Vala Uumgodi Task Team in Waterval,Vhembe District,on 15 January 2025.The suspect made a brief appearance before Waterval Magistrate's Court on Thursday,16 January 2025,and was remanded in custody until 23 January 2025 for further investigation.
Thakeng said at approximately 12:30,the operational team,which was conducting patrols around Ha-Mabobo village near the Elim complext(Hubyeni Complex),noticed a suspicious vehicle.Upon conducting a search,officers discovered that the vehicle was transporting over 40 cartons of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R8 000.The suspect was immediately apprehended and led officers to a nearby house in Ha-Mabobo village.
He added that upon further investigation inside the house,officers uncovered R470 000 in cash,hidden under a bed,as well as a money-counting machine.The suspect was arrested on charges of Dealing in Illicit Cigarettes and Money Laundering.He was taken into custody at Waterval SAPS.