Nine suspects arrested following murder of KZN policewoman

After a KwaZulu-Natal police constable died as a result of gunshot wounds, the police, through their findings have been able to arrest nine men.

The police constable was shot on her way to work.

The 35 year-old Constable Thandekile Sikhakhane who was in her official uniform, was shot dead on Tuesday night in her own car while dropping off one of the two women she offered a lift.

The incident happened in Ezakheni in Ladysmith.

Police spokesperson, Brig Jay Naicker said that “according to the women, while approaching the home of one of the women in B Section, Ezakheni, the vehicle came under fire from unknown assailants.”

“Constable Sikhakhane immediately stopped her vehicle and attempted to draw her firearm. However, the suspects opened the vehicle door and shot her before she could do so”.

The shooters fled the scene with Sikhakhane’s firearm and robbed the other two passengers of their wallets and cellphones.

However, Ezakheni police was able to arrest the first man on Friday morning. He was found with Sikhakhane’s firearm.

“By late last night Friday a further eight suspects were arrested and the suspected murder weapon was seized by police”.

Naicker added that the suspects were aged between 19 and 44.

“Police also seized six cellphones from the men who have been detained pending their court appearance,” said Naicker.

The suspects would face the charges of murder, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition as well as possession of suspected stolen property.