File
Four men were arrested for the murder of a Gauteng police officer whose body was found in an open field earlier this month.
Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Philani Nkwalase, said the arrests were made on Wednesday by members of the East Rand serious organised crime investigation team of the Hawks along with Metro authorities.
He said the suspects were allegedly linked to the murder, kidnapping, and carjacking of 63-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Sikhetho Mawila who was found in Tsakane on 8 January.
Nkwalase said his family last had contact with him two days earlier when he was travelling to Durban to return to work.
He said he was subsequently reported missing.
“The joint operation made by a multidisciplinary team resulted in the arrest and seizure of a cell phone, laptop belonging to the deceased, a service pistol with live ammunition, car jack, a wallet, a pair of running shoes, a suitcase, keys, a cooler box as well as a knife,” he said.
The officer's hijacked vehicle was found torched.
“We appreciate the efforts and the speed within which the joint team made the arrest ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice to account for their conduct,” said the head of the Hawks, Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in Tsakane Magistrate Court, on Friday.
