Court handing down judgment in murder case of KwaDukuza traffic officer

The Durban High Court is currently handing down judgment in the murder case of KwaDukuza traffic officer Mariemuthoo Arumugam.

In November last year, the on-duty officer was shot and killed on the N2 highway near the Groutville off-ramp in KZN's north coast. 

The man linked to the murder, Philakahle Dladla, faces several charges, including murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of a firearm.  

The court will hear judgment in the brutal murder of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality traffic officer, who was shot and killed while performing his duties.

In November last year, Arumugam approached a taxi that stopped on a national route near the Groutville area.

READ: KZN police arrest suspect linked to murder of traffic officer in KwaDukuza

Little did he know that inside there was a man holding passengers hostage, with a firearm, robbing them of their belongings.

The officer was killed when several shots were fired at him.

State witnesses, including the driver of the taxi, identified the accused, Dladla, during an identity parade.

They also later linked him to the crime scene, despite claiming to have been nowhere near the scene.