Cops track down murder suspects after young police officer shot dead in Wepener

The Wepener police have launched a manhunt of suspects, after a 22-year-old police officer was shot dead, when the armed robbers barged into at a supermarket in Wepener yesterday, 10 May.

Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motansi Makhele said that, the police officers stationed at Wepener Community Service Centre received a complaint of an armed robbery incident at Sarbonia Supermarket in town at about 19:20.

“The police members heard gunshots from De Wet Street and rushed to check if it was not the suspects from the reported robbery,” said Makhele.

“Crossfire ensued as the suspects started firing shots at the police and the police returned fire.

“Unfortunately the 22-year-old police constable was hit by bullets on the neck area and the upper body. The warrant officer was also hit by a bullet on the left arm,” Makhele briefed Kasi Voice News.

“One of the shots brushed him on the upper body leaving him slightly injured.

“The suspects then robbed the police of the 9mm Z88 Pistol and R5 Rifle,” Makhele said.

It is alleged that when the Emergency Medical Services arrived at the scene, the constable was already dead.

In a separate incident also in Wepener town, U-Save Supermarket was robbed by unknown suspects.

According to the manager at the store, four unknown armed African males stormed into the store and threatened the security officer to switch off the alarm.

“They then forced the manager to open the safe and helped themselves to undisclosed amount of money,” explained Makhele.

“They also looted the store of several grocery items and then locked the security officer and staff inside the Supermarket.

“The police reinforcements arrived and managed to free the people who were locked inside the supermarket. Information was followed and the 34-year-old suspect was arrested on R26 Road between Wepener and Hobhouse,” Makhele detailed further.

The police have since instigated a manhunt of all these suspects in the surrounding areas.

“Any member of the public with information that can lead to the arrest of outstanding suspects is requested to call Captain Shuping at 082 691 1589. Alternatively the information can be submitted via MySAPS App or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” Makhele said.