Sun. Feb 9th, 2025

Western Cape police are intensifying their search for a gunman who killed an on-duty police officer in Site B, Khayelitsha, on Wednesday evening.

The 30-year-old constable, stationed at the Khayelitsha police station, was conducting a stop-and-search operation in Q-Block when he was fatally attacked. The officer was a member of the crime prevention unit.

Brigadier Novela Potelwa, police spokesperson, confirmed that the investigation has been taken over by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks). “Psychosocial support for the colleagues of the deceased member is currently being provided by the SAPS employee health and wellness practitioners,” she added. A murder and attempted murder docket has been opened.

The constable’s next of kin had not yet been informed at the time of reporting, according to Potelwa.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani stated that the investigation is ongoing, but no arrests have been made yet.

Western Cape police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile expressed his dismay over the attack. “No resources will be spared in getting to the perpetrator of the act. It is disheartening that police officials who are deployed to bring safety to communities find themselves being targeted by criminals,” he said. He assured that reinforced deployments are actively working to apprehend the suspect.

This tragic incident comes on the heels of another attack on a police officer. A 35-year-old off-duty officer from Parow police station was shot in Delft while walking with his girlfriend on Sunday. The officer, who was shot in the leg and arm, is currently recovering in the hospital. No arrests have been made in connection with this attack either.

The community and police force are on high alert as they seek justice for their fallen and injured comrades. The safety of police officers, who are crucial in maintaining community safety, remains a significant concern amid these violent incidents.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to the attacks to come forward, emphasizing that public cooperation is vital in bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring the safety of both the community and the police force.

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