A 30-year-old man was arrested on Saturday afternoon in Braamfontein, Johannesburg after he allegedly shot an off-duty officer in the early hours of the same morning in Maijane village outside Lebowakgomo in Limpopo. Sergeant Terrence Kutullo Makgatho (38) was declared dead on the scene.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the police received a call from one of the community members who reported a shooting that had just happened. "The shooting incident happened near a local tavern, and around the time patrons were preparing to go home. Upon police arrival, they found a male victim lying in his motor vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds. He was certified dead on the scene by paramedics. The deceased was identified as Sergeant Makgatho, based at the Burgersfort police station, "said Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said the suspect was arrested in Braamfontein by members of the task team that included the South African Police Services' Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). "Police have opened a case of murder and the motive for the murder is still being investigated." Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said as the management of the SAPS in the province, they are deeply disheartened by the loss of the officer. "The Sergeant still had a lot to offer to the communities of this province. As the management, we will continue to keep the bereaved family in our thoughts and prayers. We commend this team of members for the meticulous investigation that led to the apprehension of the suspect, " Hadebe said.