Two men accused of killing Constable Rabelani Charity Netshivhambe on 26 March 2021, while he and his partner were tracing suspects linked to a spate of business robberies which occurred that evening, will be appearing in court on Monday, 29 March 2021.
The Constable and his partner, a Sergeant were called out to complaints of business robberies which occurred at Madombidzha, Madabani, Tshikwarani and Maebane wherein two suspects had robbed spaza shop owners.
While the members were searching for the suspects, they came across two men on foot in Maebane Village. The members stopped to question the men as they matched the description of the robbery suspects. One of the men shot at the members, hitting Constable Netshivhambe on his thigh. The two men then fled the scene.
The 31-year-old member was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries the following day, 27 March 2021. Constable Netshivhambe was only two years in the Service, having joined the police in March 2019.
After the incident, the province immediately implemented the 72-Hour Activation Plan mobilising all resources needed to investigate and trace the perpetrators.
The suspects, aged 32 and 41 were traced and arrested the following day at their hideouts in Maebane. They will be appearing in Tshilwavhusikhu Magistrates’ Court, facing charges of murder, attempted murder, business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
During the arrests, police recovered a 9 mm pistol and 15 rounds of ammunition.
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla Sitole has commended the Limpopo police for the swift arrest of the perpetrators allegedly responsible for murder of Constable Netshivhambe. He also sent his condolences, on behalf of the SAPS, to the family and friends of the deceased member.
