A man suspected of gunning down a police officer during an armed robbery a week ago in Port Elizabeth has been arrested after a six day manhunt. Hawks spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said the 24-year-old suspect was detained by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit at his parent’s residence in Algoa Park, Port Elizabeth. "He is accused of being part of group that fatally shot Constable Dwane Kemp, 31, following a shoot out between police and armed robbers." Mulaudzi said.
Members of the Port Elizabeth Flying Squad received a complaint of an armed robbery in progress at Le Bon bakery on the corner of Parliament and Rose Street. When police arrived shots were fired and officers returned fire. Four of the suspects, who were in the shop, were shot dead during the exchange of gunfire and the fifth suspect escaped. "Three fire-arms were recovered at the scene and have been sent to ballistics for testing to establish if they have been used in other similar crimes. Constable Kemp died in hospital just hours after the deadly confrontation and a manhunt was launched for the outstanding suspect which led to his arrest early on Sunday morning," he said. The suspect is expected to appear at the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Mulaudzi said he would face five charges of murder, attempted murder, business robbery, possession of firearm without a licence, and possession of ammunition without a licence to possess a firearm capable of discharging such ammunition.
Hawks national head Lieutenant General Lebeya hailed the arrest as a significant breakthrough in dealing with those bent on killing law enforcement officials.
"The suspect has committed murder on a law enforcement official, which falls under Schedule 6 [and] has an impact on bail application. Over and above, the suspect together with deceased accomplices, are to be charged with murder and robbery under Part I of Schedule 2, read with section 51(1) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 which attract a minimum sentence of life imprisonment." Lebeya said.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele made a call on Saturday at Kemp's funeral service that he wanted the fifth suspect arrested.
"The long arm of the law knows no boundaries no matter where you hide we will find you. A job well done to the Hawks and men and woman in blue on the swift action in ensuring that the perpetrator is brought to book, within the 72-hour activation plan," Cele said.
Cele at the funeral also made a call to all police officers to use tools given to them responsibly and decisively when executing their duties and to do so within the ambit of the law.