POLICE have made a major breakthrough in the brutal killing of two constables in Phuthaditjhaba, arresting a suspect who was attempting to flee on horseback near a border with Lesotho.
The suspect, who is in South Africa illegally, was apprehended on Wednesday by a multi-disciplinary law-enforcement team.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that the suspect was found in possession of a stolen cellphone and a firearm believed to have been used in the murders.
“He was caught on horseback near the Monontsha port of entry in an apparent attempt to escape into Lesotho,” Mogale said.
“The suspect was also found with a cellphone stolen during the robbery and a firearm suspected to have been used in the attack.”
The suspect is expected to appear in the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court this Friday, facing charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery.
Constables Sipho Mohapi and Gideon Motloung, both stationed at Namahadi police station in QwaQwa, were gunned down while responding to a house robbery complaint.
The funeral service for the late Motloung, 39, was held in Phuthaditjhaba on Thursday, with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior police officials in attendance.
Mohapi’s funeral service is scheduled for this Friday in the same Free State town. – Staff Reporter