A suspect linked to the murder of Constable Khulani Chabangu on May 30 has been arrested.
The 25-year-old suspect was caught while loitering in the streets of Mkhuhlu yesterday (Friday, June 6) at around 16:30.
A team of investigators comprising the Hawks, National Crime Intelligence and the Calcutta Police Task Team effected the arrest.
“The suspect was found in possession of two cellphones. It is believed that one of the phones was stolen during the robbery and murder of the policeman,” explained Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.
Further police investigations led the team to the house of a person of interest linked to the suspect.
“Upon seeing the police, the suspect fled into the residential area, managing to evade arrest,” said Nkosi.
“A search of the house was conducted during which a handgun with the serial numbers filed off and four live ammunition rounds were seized,” added Nkosi.
ALSO READ: SAPU reacts to Mpumalanga police officer’s killing
Chabangu (29), who was attached to Volksrust SAPS, was gunned down during a business robbery at a barbershop in Lillydale Trust under the Bushbuckridge municipality.
The robbers entered the premises and demanded valuables from the victims, including cellphones and cash.
They allegedly assaulted the victims and stripped the policeman of his clothes before taking his vehicle keys. As they left the barbershop, Chabangu pursued the robbers. They shot him in the upper body, killing him instantly.
The Mpumalanga head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, vowed that the police would not rest until all involved in the killing of the officer were behind bars.
“We strongly believe that justice will be served for the family, community and the SAPS,” said Gerber.
Chabangu’s funeral is taking place in the Bushbuckridge area today (Saturday, June 7).
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Bertus de Bruyn
www.citizen.co.za
