2 suspects arrested for JMPD officer's murder may be part of cash-in-transit syndicate: EMPD

JOHANNESBURG - Two suspects arrested in connection with the murder of a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer may be part of a broader cash-in-transit syndicate.

The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) said the duo was found in possession of stolen money believed to be linked to an ATM bombing.

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JMPD officer Nkululeko Mbambo was shot and killed in Leondale, Ekurhuleni, earlier this week.

Preliminary investigations revealed that he was shot at least 15 times before the suspects fled the scene.

Just days later, two suspects were arrested.

They were found with an AK-47, a rifle, and two handguns, one of which belonged to the slain officer.

EMPD acting chief Julius Mkwanazi said the men were being linked to multiple serious crimes, including cash-in-transit heists and taxi violence.

"We suspect these individuals are linked to CITs. We recovered money used in ATM bombings and rifles we believe are commonly used in taxi-related killings, especially in the Zonkizizwe area."

The suspects are currently being profiled as investigations continue.