ZAMENKOMSTE - Community members of Zamenkomste Ha- Kutama are showering praises to the South African Police for a job well done. This follows the arrested of three dangerous criminals who allegedly kidnapped and shot dead a member of SAPS, Insp Norman Makatu (45) last Wednesday.

The suspects allegedly hijacked two vehicles at Louis Trichardt last Wednesday and visited Zamenkomste Village. According to the police, Insp Makatu then identified one of the stolen vehicles and when he approached the vehicle, the suspects allegedly shot him and dragged him into the vehicle.

The deceased was missing from Wednesday night until his body was found under a bridge at Kranskop near Vivo on Friday.

On Thursday members of the community of Zamenkomste and the neighbouring Manavhela village searched for Insp Makatu, but the search was fruitless. The police at Tshilwavhusiku then received a tip-off from people who had seen the missing vehicle. After police investigations, the police apprehended a man, who allegedly admitted that he shot Insp Makatu.

The police then arrested another suspect at Muduluni. After more investigations, the police drove to Attridgeville in Gauteng, where they arrested the alleged mastermind. The suspect arrested in Gauteng directed the police to the place where they hid the body of the deceased.

Insp Makatu, who was stationed at the Mara Police Station, leaves his wife and three children aged 21, 11and 3. He joined the police force in the early eighties. He will be buried at the Zamenkomste Commentary tomorrow (Saturday). By the time of going to press police were still looking for one suspect.