DELMAS – Two suspects accused of the murder of an off-duty police officer appeared before the Delmas Magistrate Court on Monday, May 13, 2024. Alfred Qwabe (26) and August Khoza (35) were remanded in custody, facing charges including murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery. The arrests were made following a joint effort by Delmas Detectives and the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation.
The suspects were remanded in custody by the Delmas Magistrate Court on Monday, May 13, 2024, facing charges of murder, three counts of attempted murder, armed robbery, and two additional charges of attempted murder of police officers. On their appearance in court on May 16, 2024, the case was postponed to May 24, 2024 for further bail application, the accused still remain in custody.
Alfred Qwabe, a 26-year-old African male, was apprehended on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, while reporting a false case of car hijacking. He faces charges including murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery, along with additional charges related to the shooting of police officers. The second suspect, a 35-year-old, voluntarily surrendered to police through his legal representative on Sunday, May 12, 2024, and faces similar charges to the first suspect.
Reports indicate that the incident occurred on Tuesday, May 7, afternoon when the off-duty officer was driving with three female passengers. Two suspects attacked them, shooting one of the female passengers in the lower body, and critically wounding the officer. They also stole his service pistol and money. Law enforcement authorities promptly responded to the scene, engaging in a shootout with the suspects before they fled on foot.
Brigadier Mokonyama, acting provincial head of the Hawks, commended the investigative team for their dedication to swiftly bringing the suspects to justice. He expressed gratitude to Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Manamela for prioritising the case and emphasised that further arrests are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
Both suspects will await trial as the investigation continues to unfold, seeking justice for the victims and their families.
