Gauteng – Police have initiated a manhunt for four suspects after they murdered an off-duty police officer on December 29.
Warrant Officer Anton Seeber, a detective attached to the Linden police station, was asleep when unknown gunmen entered his home demanding his service pistol.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said in a statement that the officer was robbed as well as killed.
“Warrant Officer Seeber was shot and killed and robbed of his personal belongings, including his service pistol.
“Police are requesting the co-operation of communities in the area to come forward with information to assist police in apprehending those responsible for the murder,” Mathe said.
In an unrelated incident, Gauteng police arrested a man accused of fatally stabbing an on-duty police officer on New Year’s Day.
52-year-old Warrant Officer Ntshidi Marutla was disarmed of his service pistol and fatally stabbed during a stop and search operation in Rosettenville on New Year’s Day.
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Another member also sustained a stab wound and was taken to a nearby medical facility for medical care.
Mathe said the suspect was arrested hours after committing the crime.
“Within hours of the commission of the crime, one male suspect was linked to the murder scene and subsequently arrested by members of the Johannesburg Central Police Station.
“He was found in possession of the murder weapon and the deceased member’s service pistol.”
At the time of his death, Warrant Officer Marutla had 30 years’ service having joined the organisation in 1992. He was attached to the Moffatview Police Station.
The National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said that the SAPS management is concerned about the ongoing attacks and killing of police officers.
“We are consistently implementing our Police Safety Strategy and Plan to ensure the safety of members on and off duty.
“Communities need to also come on board and play an active role in handing over or sharing information on known criminals in their communities. Our condolences go to the families, friends and colleagues of our members, a speedy recovery to the injured member”, Masemola said.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
