Suspect arrested for police killings

Friday, May 27, 2011

Pretoria - Police have arrested and charged a suspect for the murder of two Western Cape police officers.

The man was charged on Friday and was expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrates Court, SAPS said in a statement.

Warrant Officer Matthee and Constable Cloete were killed while on patrol in Kraaifontein, where they were responding to a complaint by two members of the public on Sunday.

The two were apparently trying of gain entry into a shack when a vehicle stopped a few metres away from their police van.

"A male occupant ... got out of the car. The same man fired various shots at the two policemen from behind, wounding both in the head. Both members were robbed of their Z88 9mm pistols," SAPS said.

The suspect was traced to a hospital where he was placed under police guard and later charged, SAPS added.

Police are still looking for more suspects.