Public called on to handle missing police matter with sensitivity

The Tshwane police say they have noted with serious concern media reports that state Peete's body has been found in Limpopo.

"What is worrying is how this matter, which is distressing for both the metro police and the family, is being handled in the public arena.

"The department has placed it on record that our officers have worked closely with the SA Police Service (SAPS) in investigating the disappearance of Constable Peete. This is after the family was assisted to open a missing persons file with the SAPS, so that investigations could commence.

"We have also placed it on record that the joint investigation with the SAPS has led to a 38-year-old male suspect being interviewed. The suspect made confessions, claiming that he has 'killed' a female person and 'doused her with petrol and burnt her' in Ga-Matlala, Limpopo," said Tshwane Metro Police spokesperson, Console Tleane.

The suspect has been arrested and may be charged with murder.

Tleane said as part of its employee wellness support to families of members, the Metro Police accompanied the family to Limpopo where the body of a female person was inspected.

"No conclusion could be reached that the identified body is that of Constable Peete. To this end, investigations are still continuing, irrespective of the claims by the suspect that the said body is that of Constable Peete," Tleane said.

The suspect remains innocent until formal charges are put to him and proven beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law.

According to Tleane, as part of the on-going investigations, DNA tests will be conducted to find out if the identified body is that of Constable Peete.

"It will only be after the test results have been released that the said body will be linked to Constable Peete, or not," he said.

"We appeal to everyone, including the media, to handle this matter with the necessary care and sensitivity that it deserves," Tleane said.