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Media Statement NELSPRUIT – A search for suspect(s) is underway following a fatal shooting of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius (59) this afternoon, 16 January 2025 around 14:00. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has called on communities to rally behind the Police and be patriotic by sharing valuable information relating to the gruesome murder of the Police Commander. The Police Officer was a Commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, and was shot multiple times by an unknown assailant. Circumstances surrounding this incident are still sketchy at this stage and more details will be shared at a later stage however it is reported that Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius was driving in an official vehicle when he was shot. The vehicle was riddled with bullet holes. After the shooting, the assailant allegedly got into a white sedan then fled the scene. A team of experts in the investigation field has been assembled to probe this incident with a hope to arrest anyone behind the murder of the Police Officer. Meanwhile a 72-hour-Plan has been activated in response to this disheartening incident. Relevant structures have been currently mobilised to knit all clues about this senseless murder of the officer. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspect(s) to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Colonel’s family, friends and colleagues. The General further vowed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be hunted down and swiftly brought to Justice. “Killing of Police is a direct attack on the state and we are adamant that we will soon make a breakthrough as the society has been robbed of an asset that was contributing to their safety,” said the General.
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