Two individuals have been killed in connection with the murder of a police officer and business thefts at Durban’s The Pavilion shopping centre.
Last week, condolences flooded in for popular Seargent Riyadh Adams, who was shot dead on November 19 by one of two groups that allegedly looted two jewelry stores at the shopping complex.
On Thursday, Hawks spokesperson Captain Siphiwe Mhlongo stated that a 41-year-old suspect had been apprehended in connection with the murder and commercial robberies.
According to him, the assailant “led the police to KwaMashu to point out his accomplice, and, during the process, a shootout occurred.”
“[The] Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the matter,” Mhlongo said.
He also stated that the investigation into Adams’ death and the company robberies was ongoing.
Adams was the most recent officer to be slain in the line of duty.
According to report, at least 90 police officers have been killed in the country this year alone, with 63 of them being off-duty at the time of their deaths.
Lendl Ganesan, Adams’ colleague and friend, had described the dead cop as “passionate about his work.”
“His love for policing showed in his work. His legacy is second to none,” Ganesan said.
Kyle van Reenen of Emer-G-Med, a private first responders firm, claimed he has worked with Adams for more than 13 years in numerous violent crime and violence instances in and around Durban.
“Riyadh was a true asset to the police and the country. He served with great pride and enthusiasm.”
Van Reenen said Adams’ killing exposed how crime was “getting out of control” in South Africa.
