Suspect in cop killing shot dead

AUG 31, 2010 | CORRINNE LOUW | 0 COMMENTS

A MAN wanted in connection with the death of Eshowe police officer Captain Kevin Marallich was shot dead by the police yesterday.

Colonel Jay Naicker said that members of the Durban organised crime unit, together with the Eshowe crime intelligence unit, had followed up information on the whereabouts of the suspect.

"The information gathered was that the suspect was at a residence in Esikhawini.

"When police arrived (at the residence) the suspect attempted to open fire on them," Naicker said.

The police officers returned fire and the suspect was shot dead.

Police recovered Marallich's car, a Ford Bantam LDV, as well as stolen items and a firearm from the residence, he said.

Naicker said the police were still looking for another suspect in connection with the brutal attack on 53-year-old Marallich and his 59-year-old fiancé Cathy Potgieter.

Police say the couple were attacked while fishing at a dam on Ashhill farm at about midday on Sunday.

Potgieter is fighting for her life at a Durban hospital.

Naicker said Marallich was off duty at the time of the attack.

"At around 3pm several workers on the farm stumbled across the badly injured bodies of the couple at the dam.

"They immediately contacted the owner of the farm, who summoned police and paramedics," Naicker said.

"Captain Marallich died at the crime scene and Cathy was taken to a local hospital where she is in a critical condition."

Marallich was a member of the Eshowe crime intelligence unit.

The attacks come just one day after another police officer, Morne Croeser, and his wife Erica were attacked at their home at Msinsi Game Reserve in Cramond, near Pietermaritzburg.

Mrs Croeser died from her stab wounds and Croeser suffered a knife wound to the stomach. Police are searching for the suspects.

Naicker said although the police were concerned over the spate of attacks, they believed the attacks on Marallich and the Croesers were unrelated.

Sowetan News

Comments by Sonny

Murderers should receive the Death Penalty in SA!