Police arrest suspect for attempted murder of hero East London policeman Pieter Swanepoel

Police on Saturday revealed that a joint task force consisting of officers from the Hawks, crime intelligence, and the Qonce Flying squad had arrested a 39-year-old suspect in connection with the November shooting of warrant officer Pieter Swanepoel.

The suspect was arrested at his home in Ndevana location, King William’s Town on Friday and faces charges of attempted murder and vehicle hijacking.

On the afternoon of 23 November warrant officer Swanepoel of the East London  K9 had spotted an allegedly hijacked vehicle in Quigney, East London, and attempted to stop the vehicle.

He was allegedly met with a hail of bullets and sustained a gunshot wound on his upper body.

The two suspects fled the scene on foot abandoning their vehicle.

The violent attacks shocked the Buffalo City community, with the city coming together in prayer for the popular officer 'Swanie', described by many as a brave hero in the city's fight against crime.

The metro has, in recent months, faced a violent crime wave, with several hijackings and armed robberies having resulted in the deaths of victims.

Hawks spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said their investigation had also linked the suspect to "armed robbery as well as numerous counts of motor vehicle hijackings in Keiskammahoek and Ugie".

He is expected to appear in Keiskammahoek and Ugie Magistrate’s courts soon. 

The Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the joint effort of the teams involved in the investigation and arrest.

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