Two suspects, who attempted an ambush on police officers, were nabbed in Vryheid on Tuesday afternoon, 04 April 2023. Earlier in the day two investigating officers, who are part of the Provincial Task Team, were driving to work in the company of another colleague when they were ambushed by the two suspects who fired shots at their vehicle.
The brave police officers returned fire and that compelled the suspects to flee into the nearby bushes. The officers were not harmed, however, their colleague sustained gunshot wounds on both arms and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. A search for the suspects was instituted immediately and with the help of a K9, the suspects were found and they continued firing more shots at the police before surrendering. An AK47 assault rifle and two pistols, one of them licensed, were found in possession of the suspects.
Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects’ brothers, who is in custody for the murder of Sergeant Sakheyedwa Mlambo, was due to appear in court on the same day and one of the officers was opposing bail on the matter. Sgt Mlambo, who was attached to Vryheid Crime Intelligence, was brutally shot and killed at the Hwanqana area in December 2021. One of the arrested suspects was also wanted for the murder of Sgt Mlambo’s father, Bhekuyise who was shot and killed at his home in January 2020.
A search is ongoing for a vehicle fitted with false registration plates which was spotted dropping the suspects’ moments before the foiled ambush. The arrested suspects will appear before the Vryheid Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 6 April 2023 facing three counts of attempted as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.