DailySun
Ermelo – Authorities have taken five suspects into custody, including a former police officer, in relation to the fatal shooting of a senior police official. They are scheduled to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, 59, who served as the commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, was attacked by gunmen while driving on the afternoon of Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Tragically, Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius, who was injured during the incident, ultimately passed away in the hospital. A rapid police manhunt led to the swift arrest of five suspects in Mbombela (Nelspruit).
Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi confirmed during a press briefing that among those arrested is a former police officer.
“The five suspects include four males, one of whom is an ex-police official, and one female. They are expected to make their first court appearance in Ermelo on Monday,” Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi reported.
“They were apprehended in Nelspruit following the tragic shooting of Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, who was affiliated with the Ermelo Vehicle Investigation Unit.”
Lieutenant Colonel Nkosi also noted: “The specifics of this incident remain unclear at this time, and further details will be disclosed later. However, it has been confirmed that Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius was driving an official vehicle during the shooting.
“The vehicle sustained significant damage with bullet holes evident.
“Following the incident, the assailants reportedly fled the scene in a white sedan.”
Jackie Macie, the Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, praised the prompt actions of law enforcement that led to the suspects’ capture just one day after the incident.
“We are encouraged by the progress made in apprehending the five suspects,” MEC Macie stated.
“We commend the dedication of our law enforcement personnel in this and many other cases.
“Being a law enforcement officer makes one a prime target for criminals.
“Therefore, we encourage our police to look out for each other and remain vigilant at all times. They should not feel intimidated by criminal actions.”
