Investigation underway after off-duty officer killed in Marikana informal settlement

Police have arrested one suspect while another is at large following the murder of an off–duty LEAP officer in Marikana informal settlement in Philippi East at the weekend.

The Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer body was discovered during the early hours of Sunday morning, in Marikana informal settlement.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Andre Traut explained that the officer and a female colleague were ambushed in Browns Farm.

“At approximately 03:45, the body of the 26-year-old male was found with stab wounds to his chest. Preliminary information indicates that the deceased and his 30-year-old female colleague were allegedly hijacked in Browns Farm earlier in the evening,” he said.

“The female officer managed to escape the ordeal unharmed and alerted authorities.”

Traut added that the City’s Law Enforcement officers arrested a 22-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the incident.

“The second suspect is currently being sought by the South African Police Service and is wanted on charges of murder, hijacking, and kidnapping,” he stated.

“The arrested suspect will appear in court once he has been charged. The motive for the attack is the subject of an ongoing investigation.”

Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General (Adv) Thembisile Patekile, has condemned the senseless killing of the officer and commended the swift action by law enforcement members that led to the arrest.

Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith appealed to the community in locating the second suspect.

“The City of Cape Town mourns the death of a LEAP officer who was hijacked and viciously attacked over the weekend.,” he explained.

“LEAP officers responded to the scene in Sheffield Road on Sunday where the officer's vehicle was found abandoned.

"The 26-year-old was off duty when he was hijacked by two suspects. The attackers stabbed him multiple times, but also stoned him.

“His colleagues found him in the Marikana Informal Settlement, as he had tried to flee his attackers, but he succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

“LEAP officers have arrested one male suspect.

“We call on the community to come forward with information regarding the second suspect.

“The Safety and Security Directorate will work tirelessly to ensure that those behind this senseless murder are brought to book.

“We extend our condolences to the grieving family.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in tracing the outstanding suspect to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

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