Five suspects accused of murdering Lieutenant Colonel Piet Pretorius, a senior Mpumalanga police officer, have been remanded in custody after appearing in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on January 13.

The suspects—former policeman Mthobisi Nkosi, Aubrey Xaba, Skhumbuzo Skhakhane, Nyiko Mujovo, and Valencia Skhosana—were arrested within 12 hours of the crime. A multi-disciplinary team, including the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation units from Secunda and Nelspruit, Ermelo detectives, Gert Sibande District detectives, and private security companies, coordinated the swift operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Pretorius, the Commander of the Vehicle Identification Unit in Ermelo, was ambushed and shot multiple times on January 16 while returning to his office. His vehicle was riddled with bullets, and he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.

A BMW believed to have been used by the assailants was discovered torched on January 17, further linking the suspects to the crime.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi stated the case was remanded to allow one suspect, Nyiko Mujovo, time to secure legal representation and to facilitate further investigations.

The accused are set to return to court on January 21. Authorities have vowed to pursue justice for the fallen officer, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.