OFM News previously reported that on 24 November 2022, five armed suspects with automatic rifles and handguns robbed an undisclosed amount of cash at a fuel station in Welkom and shot a police officer who was about to fill up a police vehicle with petrol. The police officer was admitted with a wound in his right shoulder after he was also robbed of his firearm. After shooting the police officer and taking his firearm, the suspects fled the scene in a white VW Polo.

The Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, said the 37-year-old Mangaliso Stephen Hoko, who is a petrol attendant, was arrested on 30 November 2022 by an investigator and SAPS Task Team, called the Knock Out Team. He adds that Hoko appeared in court on 2 December 2022 and his case has been postponed to 9 December 2022 for a formal bail application.

“The investigation team worked around the clock, especially after the incident was reported, and that’s when - after the thorough investigation - a 37-year-old petrol attendant was arrested. We can confirm that more arrests are imminent. This is a clear indication that the arm of the law will reach you wherever you are,” he added.  

ALSO READ - Breaking News: Another Free State  officer shot

Thakeng further said the District Commissioner of Lejweleputswa, Maj. Gen. Lerato Molale, thanked residents of Welkom for trusting the police with this sensitive information which led to the arrest, and the investigator, Sergeant Andrew Lechesa, including the Task Team, were also applauded for their swift response.

OFM News