File
Two suspects who attempted to ambush three police officers in Vryheid on Tuesday have been arrested on charges of attempted murder.
Kwazulu Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said one of the officers was due to give evidence opposing the bail application of the brother of one of the suspects.
The brazen attack on the members of the Provincial Task Team took place as the officers were driving to work when they came under fire by the gunmen using an automatic rifle and pistols.
Netshiunda said the police officers returned fire and the suspect fled into nearby bushes.
They were subsequently arrested, but not before another shootout with police, who had also received support from members of the K9 unit.
"Preliminary investigation revealed the brother of one of the suspects is in custody for the murder of Sergeant Sakheyedwa Mlambo, and was due to appear in court on the same day and one of the officers was opposing bail on the matter.
Sergeant Mlambo, who was attached to Vryheid Crime Intelligence, was killed in the Hwanqana area in December 2021. One of the arrested suspects was also wanted for the murder of Sergeant Mlambo's father, Bhekuyise, who was killed a year earlier.
"A search is ongoing for a vehicle fitted with false registration plates, which was spotted dropping off the suspects moments before the foiled ambush," he said.
The three are due to appear in the Vryheid Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
