Five suspects arrested for the killing of an on-duty police officer in less than 24 hours

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner Mpumalanga

NELSPRUIT – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has welcomed the arrest of five suspects, aged between 29 and 40 believed to be linked to the killing of an on-duty Police Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius on Thursday, 16 January 2025 in Ermelo in less than 24 hours.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner will today (17 January 2025) visit the bereaved family of the late, Lt Col Pretorius. A vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime has also been found torched this morning next to Extension 7 in Ermelo.

A multi-disciplinary team established by the Acting Provincial Commissioner, consisting of  Hawks, Detectives,  Intelligence, and a security company, has managed  to track and trace the suspects in Nelspruit. As promised, the Acting Provincial Commissioner has highlighted that they will leave no stone unturned in finding these police killers.

Ends

Enquiries:
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane
072 603 9052

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