By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
“No one is above the law”. These were the stern words expressed by Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr)Zeph Mkhwanazi.
General Mkhwanazi was reacting to the report of a 31 year-old police Constable who handed himself over to the Embalenhle police station following the death of two male victims on Saturday 11 January 2025.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane, said the victims were discovered lying a few metres apart, next to the road, by an elderly woman who alerted the community and subsequently the police were called to the scene.
She said preliminary investigation suggests that the two male victims were hired to perform some work at the home of the Constable’s cousin. The cop was reportedly off-duty during the incident.
“ It is alleged that a television was subsequently stolen from the property, prompting the cousin to seek assistance from the said Constable in recovering the stolen item. Allegations further indicate that the Constable and an accomplice located the two victims then reportedly assaulted them and left them at the scene where they were later discovered,” said Lt-Col Ndubane.
“ Both men appeared to have sustained some injuries. One of the victims was initially able to respond to her(elderly woman) enquiries about their condition but later became unresponsive. EMS(Emergency MedicalService) were called to the scene and unfortunately certified both men dead,” Lt-Col added.
Major-General Mkhwanazi has expressed disappointment with the alleged conduct of the arrested police officer.
“In incidents where crime is alleged to have been committed, such matters should be reported to the police, rather than trying to take the law into one’s hands,” he said.
Lt-Col Ndubane said the matter has been referred to the IPID(Independent Police Investigative Directorate) for further investigation, meanwhile a parallel investigation(by South African Police Service)is also under way with regard to the incident.
“ He(the Constable) is expected to appear in court soon. The second suspect involved in the incident has not yet been apprehend,” Lt-Col Ndubane concluded.
