25-06-2025
Second arrest made in EMPD double murder case
A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of two Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers who were ambushed and killed in Thembisa earlier this month.
The 37-year-old foreign national was apprehended on June 24 during a coordinated operation involving the EMPD Northern Region Task Team, SAPS District Crime Intelligence, and the Hawks.
The suspect was traced to RTJ Namane Drive in the Teanong Section of Thembisa and is currently detained at Thembisa South SAPS.
Also read: Manhunt continues after arrest in EMPD double murder case
According to EMPD media liaison officer Thabiso Makgatho, the joint operation focused on locating and arresting the second suspect believed to have played a role in the fatal shooting of Constables Thabang Piet Maluleke and Kagiso Francis Motshabi.
The officers were killed on June 12 while reporting for night duty in the Umthambeka Section. The attackers shot and robbed them of their service pistols before fleeing the scene.
Also read: EMPD mourns loss of two officers ambushed in Thembisa
'The suspect was charged with murder, robbery, and contravention of Section 49(1) of the Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002).
'He was informed of his constitutional rights and detained free from physical injuries,' said Makgatho.
This arrest follows the first breakthrough in the case on June 20, when the same multi-agency task team apprehended another 37-year-old foreign national.
Although both suspects are now in custody, the investigation remains active.
Authorities have confirmed that one of the service pistols belonging to the slain officers is still missing.
Also read: Two EMPD officers fatally wounded while reporting for duty
Community outreach and further intelligence efforts are underway to recover the firearm and identify any additional suspects.
'This tragic loss weighs heavily on the EMPD and the community. We are committed to ensuring justice is served and to safeguarding our officers and residents,' Makgatho added.
The suspect is expected to appear in a local magistrate's court soon.
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