Off-duty LEAP officer murdered in Philippi East hijacking

Western Cape police have launched a murder investigation after an off-duty Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officer was found stabbed to death in Philippi East.

The 26-year-old man was discovered with stab wounds to his chest in the Marikana informal settlement on Sunday morning. It is believed he and a female colleague were hijacked earlier in Browns Farm.

Police spokesperson Colonel André Traut said the woman managed to escape and alerted authorities.

"The swift response by the city’s law enforcement officers led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, while a second suspect is being sought for murder, hijacking, and kidnapping," said Colonel Traut.

He urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.