SA Police Hunting for Suspects Who Killed Anti-Poaching Detective

South African Police are still hunting for the suspects in the murder of one of the Hawks’ top investigators into organised crime, particularly rhino poaching. Lieutenant Colonel Leroy Brewer was gunned down whilst driving to work on Tuesday morning.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident occurred at around 06h30 on Lydenburg Road in Nelspruit.

Colonel Brewer, who was attached to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), was shot with what appeared to be “heavy calibre weapons by unknown gunmen”, said SAPS. The 49-year-old died on the scene.

SAPS National Commissioner General Khehla John Sitole has condemned the senseless killing of the policeman who was named Hawks’ best detective in 2016.

Colonel Brewer was a seasoned investigator within the DPCI environment and always excelled in cracking complex cases, particularly related to rhino poaching, said SAPS. He was also involved in investigations into cash-in-transit robberies.

The 72-hour Activation Plan has been activated, and the team urged not to rest until Colonel Brewer’s killers are brought to book.

“The SAPS family and the community have suffered a huge loss,” said General Sitole.

“I have extended my deepest condolences to Colonel Brewer’s family and promised a thorough investigation into the Colonel’s senseless killing,” added General Sitole.

According to official statistics, rhino poaching has decreased in South Africa from 769 in 2018 to 594 in 2019.

If you have any info, please contact the SAPS on 08600 10111 or via the SAPS MySAPSApp. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.