POLICE in Gauteng are searching for suspects who allegedly shot and killed a Flying Squad member.
The suspects were driving a silver Mercedes Benz with tinted windows, when they shot at a Flying Squad vehicle in Soweto West, killing one of the members on September 24.
Sadly, this attack comes just three weeks after the nation commemorated those members who had been killed in the line of duty in the past year.
The deceased 36-year-old constable and two colleagues, who were on duty doing routine crime prevention, had stopped at the Engen filling station in Mofolo South when they spotted the suspicious looking vehicle and followed it to Elias Motswaledi Road. The suspects suddenly opened fire at the police vehicle and the constable who was driving was shot in the upper body. A 14-year-old passer-by was also shot and rushed to a nearby hospital. The police member was declared dead on the scene.
The vehicle’s registration number, WKR 935 GP, has since been confirmed by police to be a bogus one.
As one of South African Police Service’s specialised units, expected to provide a quick response to priority, serious and violent crimes in an attempt to apprehend suspects and to limit possible further danger to victims, it becomes incongruous when those members who prioritise the safety and security of the residents of the country fall prey to senseless and audacious criminals who continue to undermine the efforts of the law enforcement fraternity.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the constable and his colleagues during this difficult time in their lives. Whether on- or off-duty, the death of one member is one too many. Such acts will continue to be condemned as they rob the country of members who have taken it upon themselves to serve and protect the citizens of the Republic of South Africa,” said the provincial commissioner of police in Gauteng, Lt Gen Deliwe de Lange.
Community members who may have witnessed the incident or have any information that could assist the police in apprehending the suspects, are encouraged to come forward and report to the police by calling the emergency line: 086 001 0111 or reporting to the nearest police station.
*Press release supplied by brigadier Mathapelo Peters, provincial head of corporate communication for the SAPS, Gauteng.
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