The HAWKS in the Free State have arrested 24-year-old man, who allegedly stabbed and killed Constable Johannes Putsoeli (37) in Botshabelo in February 2016.

The suspect was arrested in Winburg Correctional Service on Thursday afternoon after he was sentenced to two years for unrelated robbery case.

Constable Putsoeli’s lifeless body was found at open field near Keizer Sebothelo Stadium in Botshabelo. His service pistol, cellphone and wallet were allegedly stolen. The arrest of the suspect brings to three the number of suspects arrested for the murder. Sello Petlane (32) and Ernest Kgake 25) were arrested fortnight after they were positively linked to the slaying.

The suspect will appear on Monday 12, September 2016 along with his accomplices at Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court, facing charges of murder and robbery.

The National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza has applauded the officers who worked tirelessly to bring justice to the family of the slain cop. “You can run but you can never hide. The law will eventually catch up with you and take you to where you belong. Criminals belong in jail. They are not fit to live among decent and law-abiding people”, concluded Lieutenant General Ntlemeza.