Two suspects have been arrested in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni in connection with the murder of Constable Siyabonga Thango (32). Thango was shot and killed when he and other members of a crime prevention team were responding to a business robbery in the township on Friday. 

DEADLY SHOOTOUT

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspects were arrested on Sunday. "The team followed up on information about the whereabouts of the killers. When the suspects realised they were cornered, they started shooting at the police. Two suspects aged 27 and 29, were arrested and three firearms were recovered," said Mathe. She said the 27-year-old suspect later succumbed to his injuries in hospital. 

MAXIMUM SENTENCES FOR COP KILLERS

Mathe said at the time of his death, Constable Thango had served SAPS for five years, having joined in 2018. The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola has commended the team investigating the murder of Constable Thango for the swift arrest of his killers. Masemola said those behind the attacks and killing of police officers must receive the maximum prison sentence as these killings are an attack on the authority of the state. Paying tribute to Thango, Masemola said, "To Constable Thango, the South African Police Service flag does not move because the wind blows it, but because of the last breath of members like you who died protecting it. Thank you for your bravery, loyalty, and the sacrifices you made to serve and protect the people of the Republic of South Africa,".