PRETORIA – The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole has commended the arrest of two men suspected to be involved in the killing of a Diepsloot police officer.
On Friday, 17 January 2020 54-year-old Det/Capt Oupa Matjie and a colleague, a Detective Sergeant, were tracing suspects wanted on a case of attempted murder and house robbery. Upon spotting about five suspects, the detectives called crime prevention members for backup while approaching the suspects. The suspects noticed the police and started running in different directions, one of them firing at the police. Detective Captain Matjie was fatally shot.
Members from Diepsloot police station, with the assistance of the community arrested two of the suspects at the scene.
Mongameli Mpofu has appeared at the Randburg Magistrates Court on charges of house robbery and attempted murder. He was remanded in custody for further investigation while the other suspect is in hospital under police guard for treatment to his injuries during his apprehension.
Immediately after the incident, the province instituted the 72-Hour Activation Plan wherein they mobilised all the necessary resources to trace the suspects that got away and yesterday morning, two more suspects were arrested in Pine Heaven informal settlement in Krugersdorp. They will be charged with the murder of Detective Captain Matjie and possession of unlicensed firearm which was recovered during the arrest.
National Commissioner has since conveyed his condolences to the family of Detective Captain Matjie. The National Commissioner has also commended the involvement of the community in the apprehension of suspects. I am pleased to hear that the community of Diepsloot joined hands with the police to arrest two of the suspects that were allegedly part of the five wanted by the police,” said General Sitole who went on to explain that community involvement in the fight against crime is key to ensure that criminals are flushed out of our communities.
The duo will be appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court within 48 hours for murder and possession of unlicensed firearm.
Anyone with information on any criminal activity is encouraged to send tip-offs on the MySAPS APP or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number ?08600 10111. All information received will be treated with confidentiality.???
Source: South African Police Service