The City of Cape Town has confirmed that only one out of the three suspects that were arrested over the weekend in connection with the death of Metro Police Constable Tyler Lamb will face murder charges.

The 30-year-old officer who was part of the newly deployed Neighbourhood Safety Officers (NSOs) died tragically on Friday in Kensington after chasing a suspect in a shooting incident across a roof.

READ: City mourning the loss of a Metro Police Neighbourhood Safety Officer

He allegedly fell as a result of a scuffle and lost consciousness. He later passed away in the hospital.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says information obtained by the City’s Investigative Unit (SSIU) shows that Lamb and his fellow officers were conducting a Vehicle Check Point along Voortrekker Road when they observed the driver of a Toyota Yaris behaving suspiciously.

Smith says the motorist refused to stop and sped away as the officers gave chase.

The vehicle was later brought to a halt, and officers witnessed a group of male suspects fleeing on foot into a nearby building.

Officers called for back-up, and one suspect handed himself over. On entering the building, they were informed that a suspect had climbed onto the roof.

“Constable Lamb attempted to arrest the suspect, but during the scuffle, the officer was thrown from the roof. The suspect was arrested on the scene.”

Despite efforts by medical personnel and hospital staff, Lamb succumbed to his injuries.

“In the abandoned vehicle, officers found live ammunition, and further investigations revealed the group had been part of a business robbery in the area.”

A further two suspects were subsequently arrested, and all three accused made their first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The State has charged one suspect with murder, while the remaining three suspects face charges related to robbery and the illegal possession of ammunition.

The court heard that the main murder suspect, along with the second accused, will not be applying for bail. The third accused intends to apply for bail.

Smith expressed his devastation at Lamb’s death.

“If we cannot protect our officers, they cannot protect the public. Our thoughts are with his family. We will continue to support them in any way we can while we pursue justice for Tyler.”

The matter has been postponed to 17 November.