Man held for death of cop

A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the murder of a police officer and the attempted murder of another officer in Sunnyside in Pretoria, Gauteng police said yesterday.

The suspect was allegedly implicated in the killing of a 34-year old Sunnyside constable on Friday night, Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said.

“The Sunnyside task team followed up on information and traced the 21-year-old suspect to a student residence in Sunnyside.

“He was arrested on Saturday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the incident.”

The suspect has been charged with murder and attempted murder and will appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court today, Peters said.

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Deliwe de Lange thanked everyone involved, especially the witnesses who played a crucial role in ensuring the swift arrest.

“We hope this will assist the family to reconcile themselves with the loss of their loved one while we allow the law to take its course,” De Lange said.

The 41-year-old constable who survived the Friday night attack was recovering in hospital, Peters said.

The two police officers were attacked at the corner of Leyds and Esselen Streets in Sunnyside, Pretoria, just after 11pm on Friday night, while they were conducting stop-and-search duties in the area.

The 34-year old male constable, died from his wounds in hospital. – ANA

The Sunnyside task team followed up on information and traced the 21-year-old suspect to a student residence in Sunnyside. He was arrested on Saturday afternoon.

Mathapelo Peters Police spokesperson