KWAZULU-NATAL – Yesterday, 6 July 2021 Hawks members from the Durban Serious Organised Crime Investigation and Durban Public Order Police arrested a 25-year-old suspect for murder and possession of unlicensed firearm at KwaMaphumulo.
The suspect has been sought by the police for murder of an off-duty police officer, Warrant Officer Maqhawe Sithole (54) who was shot at Amatikwe in Inanda on 24 June 2021.
It is alleged that Warrant Officer Sithole was playing pool with his friend at the tuckshop when he was attacked by the suspects whilst talking to his partner. The suspects fired several shots at him and robbed him of his service firearm. He was taken to hospital for medical attention where he succumbed to his injuries, two days later.
A case of murder was reported at Inanda police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks in Durban for intensive investigation. On 29 June 2021, members arrested the first suspect Thembokwakhe Xulu (23) and was charged for murder.
Police continued with their investigation and arrested the second suspect. He was found in possession of a firearm suspected to be belong to the late Warrant Officer Sithole and another 9mm pistol suspected to be used in the commission of murder. Both firearms will be sent for ballistic test to ascertain if they were used in the commission of any other crimes in the country.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Ntuzuma Magistrates’ Court together with his accomplice on Thursday, 8 July 2021.
