Suspect in murder of off-duty policeman arrested

A 27-YEAR-OLD suspect who was arrested for a hijacking incident in which an off-duty police officer was stabbed and later died, is expected to appear in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court today.

Sergeant Sakhumzi Mbucela, 40, who was stationed at Wynberg Visible Police (Vispol), was stabbed during an apparent robbery in KTC, Gugulethu on August 12.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel André Traut said Mbucela was admitted to hospital, where he died on August 14.

Hani said the victim’s vehicle was recovered the same day with the help of the crime prevention unit.

“The Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime team (NPVC), in Cape Town, followed up on leads which led to the arrest of the suspect on Monday. Property of the deceased was recovered in the possession of the suspect,” she said.

Hani said the suspect would be facing charges of hijacking, murder, and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Community safety standing committee chairperson in the provincial legislature Reagan Allen said it was unacceptable that police officers continued to be killed, even when offduty. He said the killing and attacking of police officers was an attack on the rule of law and the Constitution. It also lowered the number of boots on the ground.

“I condemn the killing and convey our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and wider safety fraternity,” he said.

Allen said the committee had recently learnt that, from April 1 until the end of June, 32 officers had been killed.

“This deserves public outcry. It should be demanded that justice is served,” Allen said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.