A POLICEMAN was shot and killed in KwaMsane, Mtubatuba on Sunday after trying to stop a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident.
According to police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the accident reported that the diver of the other vehicle fled the scene.
‘After receiving a description of the vehicle, it was spotted by the police and a chase ensued. Two occupants opened fire on the police and Constable Thathokuhle Nokukhanga Sibiya (30) was killed. The suspects then left their vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby bush and disappeared, ‘ said Major Zwane.
The vehicle was identified as being a hijacked car from eShikhawini area.
A few hours later while police were still tracking the suspects, they received information about their whereabouts and both suspects were arrested. Two unlicensed 9mm pistols with 21 live rounds were recovered.
‘It transpired that one of the suspects allegedly raped two women while on the run after shooting the police officer.’
Both victims opened cases of rape at KwaMsane police station.
The suspects, aged 29 and 35, will be charged for murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition and possession of stolen vehicle.
One suspect will be charged on two counts of rape.
They appeared in the KwaMsane Magistrate’s Court on Monday. The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes.
