SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE
MEDIA STATEMENT BY THE EASTERN CAPE MEDIA CENTRE
EASTERN CAPE POLICE MANAGEMENT EXPRESS SHOCK AT THE BRUTAL KILLING OF A POLICE OFFICER
EC: KING WILLIAM’S TOWN 12 June 2018.
Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner has in the strongest terms condemned the attack on the SAPS in Port Elizabeth today, “this cowardly attack on our members and the killing of a constable who was performing his duties to serve and protect the community reflects on the calibre of the ruthless individuals who continue to undermine the authority of the State. The Eastern Cape Management extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of this brave young man. I urge the community to work with us in bringing these heinous criminals to book!”
At 15:00 today, a 35-year-old SAPS member was fatally wounded during a shooting in Mendi Road, New Brighton.
This unfolded after two detectives of the Mount Road Crime Office attempted to approach a Silver Toyota Etios in Mendi Road. As they got out of their marked police vehicle, a black Nissan double cab bakkie, four suspects also got out of the Etios. The suspects produced firearms and shot several shots at the members. A 35-year-old police constable was shot several times while the 37-year-old sergeant who was with him managed to get cover and was not injured.
Seconds after the shooting, a New Brighton police vehicle came across the scene, unaware of what happened. The suspects also opened fire at these members, and the police members responded by shooting back at the attackers. The suspects managed to evade arrest while the New Brighton members immediately protected the crime scene and requested back up.
The wounded 35-year-old constable unfortunately passed away on his way to Mercantile hospital.
The Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie, has expressed his condolences to family and colleagues of the fallen policeman and added “a full investigation into this incident will be conducted. We will leave no stone unturned in finding these police killers and bringing them to book.”
Any person with information that could assist police in this investigation to please contact the Motherwell Cluster Serious Violent Crime, Lieutenant Colonel Smidt at 082 441 8121 or Crime Stop 08600 10111.
