KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of traffic officer Desmond Arumugam, who was shot and killed during a confrontation on the N2 near Groutville earlier this month.
Story Summary:
- Police have arrested a suspect for the murder of traffic officer Desmond Arumugam in Groutville.
- Officer Arumugam was fatally shot after unknowingly interrupting an armed robbery in progress.
- The suspect is expected to face formal charges in court as investigations continue.
Groutville traffic cop murder latest: Here’s what we know
The arrest brings a critical update to a case that has shocked the community and exposed the heightened risks faced by traffic officers on duty.
The events leading up to the shooting began when the suspect, travelling in a minibus taxi from KwaDukuza to Durban on the morning of Monday, 4 November 2024, reportedly attempted a robbery.
According to police, the suspect pulled out a gun and robbed the taxi driver of an undisclosed amount of cash before targeting four passengers, forcing them to hand over their mobile phones.
During this chaotic scene, the taxi stopped near the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) office at Groutville, drawing the attention of Officer Desmond Arumugam.
Unaware of the armed robbery underway, Officer Arumugam approached the taxi, noticing it was incorrectly parked.
As he moved to investigate, the suspect opened fire, fatally wounding the officer.
Witnesses reported that Arumugam tried to flee to safety but succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
KwaDukuza Police District Commissioner Major General Anthony Gopaul indicated last week that authorities had identified a person of interest.
The suspect was actively tracked and later detained, marking a significant turn in the investigation.
- “The arrest of the suspect is a testament to the dedication of our officers in ensuring justice for fallen law enforcement members and the community at large,” said Major General Gopaul.
Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the suspect could be connected to other similar cases in the area.
