Hawks in massive hunt for alleged cop killer

THE Hawks have launched a massive manhunt for an alleged rhino poacher who is believed to have shot dead the investigating officer in his case and is also wanted on a string of other serious charges.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said yesterday: “The Hawks have launched a massive manhunt for a man who is suspected of killing a police constable in Mpumalanga yesterday. Constable Joseph Baloyi, 35, an investigating officer who was stationed at Kabokweni police station in Mpumalanga, was shot and killed while arriving home on Wednesday evening.

“Police are hot on the heels of the suspected hit man, Mthobisi Lennox Ngwenyama, a 33- year- old who escaped from lawful custody on May 13 when he was about to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rhino poaching in 2014, which Baloyi was investigating.”

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said: “Ngwenyama is also facing serious charges which include, among others, a car hijacking which he allegedly committed last year, a 2012 house robbery and two housebreaking (incidents) which he is alleged to have committed in 2012.

“A case of attempted murder was also registered against Ngwenyama on Monday this week after he allegedly shot his friend in the leg following an argument over money.

“The Hawks have learnt that Ngwenyama’s hit list includes two other Hawks members and (we) are determined to bring the suspect to book before any further bloodshed.”

Acting Hawks head MajorGeneral Mthandazo Ntlemeza expressed his shock and outrage at Baloyi’s murder.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Baloyi and will be deploying members (of) the chaplaincy unit to offer counselling in their time of grief,” said Ntlemeza.

“We wish to assure the public that our resolve to win the battle against violent crimes will not be shaken by this incident.

“Additionally, these blatant attacks on our members will not deter us from carrying out our duty to the nation. The manhunt is on. We will not rest until Ngwenyama is behind bars.

“We value public support in this difficult task and appeal to anyone with information who can assist the investigation into the death of Constable Baloyi to contact Captain Brian Thela on 082 340 9901, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.” – ANA

Escaped when he was about to appear on a charge of poaching