Cst. Kutlwano Joy Tshepe (29) was arrested on Thursday (26/2) evening in Phokeng. He made his first appearance in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Monday (2/3), and was remanded in custody.

The matter was postponed to next Monday (9/3) for a formal bail application before the same court. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is continuing its investigation into the incident.

Tshepe allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home in the Roma section during the early hours of Thursday morning, said North West police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh. He allegedly took cash while the woman was hiding inside the house.

She escaped through an open window and fled to a nearby family member’s home for safety. The constable allegedly went to the home of his ex-girlfriend’s boyfriend, 33, where he allegedly assaulted him.

EMS officers declared the man dead on the scene after he sustained multiple injuries, including a severe head injury, said Myburgh.

Acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrest of the constable. “This case should serve as a warning to all SAPS employees involved in criminal activities that, if caught, they will face the full might of the law, including internal disciplinary processes.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm