A 27-year-old constable from the South African Police Service (SAPS) was arrested early on Friday, October 4, 2024, but authorities have clarified that he is not connected to the hijacking incident that resulted in the death of 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy.
The KwaZulu-Natal police expressed their concern over media reports linking the arrested officer to the tragic hijacking in Malvern last month, which claimed the life of the young girl. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated, “While it is accurate that a constable has been arrested, we want to clarify that he is not associated with the hijacking or the murder.”
The constable was apprehended after being found with a bank card belonging to the owner of the vehicle involved in the hijacking. At the time of the incident in Malvern, he was on duty in the Cato Manor policing precinct, where he is stationed.
When the hijacked vehicle was located in Cato Manor, the constable was called to drive it to the Malvern police station. During this process, he allegedly took possession of the bank card and used it unlawfully.
As a result, he will face charges of theft and fraud in connection with the misuse of the card and is scheduled to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Additionally, the officer will undergo an internal disciplinary process within the SAPS.
The incident involving Zarah occurred on September 11, 2024, when she was tragically run over by a vehicle fleeing from a hijacking in the parking lot of a well-known fast-food restaurant. At the time, she was with her family when armed robbers approached her mother, demanding the keys to their Toyota Fortuner. Zarah attempted to hide under the vehicle and was subsequently struck.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Footage of the heartbreaking incident has circulated widely on social media.
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