One of the two teens arrested for the murder of on-duty Police Constable Callan Andrews in Helenvale on New Year’s Eve has been released as he could not be positively linked to the case.
The released suspect, who is 18 years old, was due to appear in court today.
The other suspect, aged 17, appeared in court at the Nerina One Stop Youth Justice Centre today. January 6. The case has been remanded to tomorrow.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the 18-year-old was released because he “could not be positively linked to the case.
“One suspect at this stage is still in custody, and the investigation is ongoing. More arrests are imminent,” said Warrant Officer Mhlakuvana.
It was previously reported that the two teens were apprehended on January 4 by the Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit of the Hawks. They were arrested on allegations of police murder and the robbery of a state firearm.
Police Constable Callan Andrews, aged 29, and attached to the Gelvandale Police Station, was brutally murdered while on duty. At the time of the incident, the officer was on Voisen Road in Katanga, Gelvandale, in Gqeberha.
He was assisted by community members to push and kick-start the vehicle he and his partner were patrolling in. The suspects reportedly grabbed his service pistol and fatally wounded him. Constable Andrews was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he was declared deceased.
Yesterday a peaceful march was held for Constable Andrews. Since the shooting, social media has been abuzz with people calling for “Justice for Callan.” The march commenced at the Gelvandale Police Station to the crime scene. Attendees released blue balloons at the site.
