Pretoria – A police officer attached to the SAPS crime intelligence unit was murdered while he and a colleague were responding to a reported crime scene where diesel was being stolen at a mine in Mpumalanga.
Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the incident took place on Monday morning.
“It is alleged that in the early hours of Monday, 3 April, 2023, a member from crime intelligence Middelburg received a tip-off from an informer regarding the theft of diesel at a mine near the N4. The member contacted his colleague from Middelburg detective services and they drove together in a State vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux double cab using the Stoffberg Road as directed by the source,” Sekgotodi said.
She said while driving on the road, the officers came across a yellow diesel bowser truck matching the description and made a U-turn, and stopped the heavy vehicle.
“It is further alleged that three male persons alighted from the truck and started shooting at the officers. In the process, one member was shot and later succumbed to his injuries while the other sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital in Middelburg for treatment,” Sekgotodi said.
Three pistols with 25 rounds ammunition and five cellphones were recovered at the crime scene.
Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major-General Nico Gerber has condemned the “senseless attack of the dedicated members”.
Gerber appealed to community members who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information, to come forward and report.
“All information received will be dealt with in strict confidence. It is a sad day when police officers are shot and killed for executing their duties,” the Hawks said.
“Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators can contact the investigation officers Colonel Nkoana on 071 481 3503 and Captain Maboko on 071 481 3098.”
IOL