3 held for Free State cop's murder
2012-02-12 21:47
Johannesburg - Three people have been arrested after a policeman was found shot dead in Botshabelo, Free State police said on Sunday.
On Saturday around 05:00, Detective Constable John Shale's body was found with a gunshot wound to the back of the head, Constable Nomene Mokoale said.
It was believed that Shale was on his way home when five men hailed him for a lift.
"He stopped and allegedly climbed out of the car to talk to them when they suddenly overpowered and shot him with his 9mm service pistol whilst he was on the ground," Mokoale said.
The police received a tip-off which led them to five men in W-Section, near Moshongoville .
A service pistol, cellphone and a tracksuit top - believed to be Shale's - were recovered at their homes.
After questioning the five men, two were released and three - aged between 21 and 26 - were arrested in connection with the murder. The three were expected to appear in Botshabelo Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Police were still looking for two other men believed to be implicated in the crime.
- SAPA