A 37-year-old former police officer died after being shot by alleged cable thieves in Gerald Smith, Kariega, this morning, September 27.
Members of the local community watch were allegedly busy doing street patrols when they found three suspects burning cables in an empty house in Moffat Street at approximately 08:30.
Police spokesperson, Capt. André Beetge, said that the community members confiscated the cables and the three suspects fled from the scene.
“The patrollers ran after them, when one of the suspects turned around and fired several shots at them, wounding the victim, Bernard Christoffels, several times. He passed away on the scene due to the fatal wounds,” Beetge said.
A case of murder was opened by SAPS Kamesh.
Beetge added that Kamesh police attending to the scene made a further follow up and shortly after, arrested two men and confiscated one 9mm pistol with five rounds of ammunition that was in their possession.
“They were detained for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, but further investigation will be done to determine their link to the murder.”
The two suspects, aged 19 and 28 years, will be appearing in the Kariega Magistrate’s Court on September 29.
Any person that could assist police with the investigation or finding the suspect(s) can contact the investigating officer at SAPS Kamesh, Detective Warrant Officer Heinrich Swanepoel on 071 475 2294 or remain anonymous on 08600 10111.
