THE murder of a Mariannhill Public Order Police Unit police officer has rocked the New Germany community.
It is believed the 55-year-old captain, who has yet to be identified, was gunned down while on his way home from the shops at around 6.40pm, said national police spokesperson, Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo.
Kevin Scheinberg, of the New Germany Neighbourhood Watch, who was at the murder scene, said the officer was around three properties away from his home, on Oberreuter Road, when he was shot twice in the chest.
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Scheinberg said paramedics declared the officer dead at the scene, contrary to initial reports that claimed he died in hospital.
“The captain was found lying on his chest and he was dressed in plain clothes,” said Scheinberg.
He said there were very little leads on how many suspects were involved.
“Neighbours who had heard gunshots went outside to investigate and that is when they noticed a white Toyota double cab with tinted windows speeding off,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo confirmed that the officer was off-duty when he was killed.
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Police discovered the captain’s belongings at the scene, including his cellphone, wallet and service pistol, which rules out robbery as a motive for his murder, added Naidoo. The officer’s shopping packets were also found at the scene, according to Scheinberg.
“A case of murder has been registered and the motive of the shooting is unknown,” said Naidoo
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Khehla John Sitole has since directed the KwaZulu-Natal police to launch a manhunt for the murderer(s).
Sitole has condemned the ongoing attacks and killing of police officials, and described this incident as an attack on the authority of the state.
“I have instructed the implementation of the 72-hour activation plan in a bid to ensure that we mobilise all our resources to ensure that those who are behind this callous act are dealt with in terms of the law. All necessary role players have been deployed to handle this case to effect arrests,” he said.
In a separate incident another policeman was shot and critically wounded on Friday morning (24 January) on Winter Avenue in the Berea area.
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Rescue Care spokesperson Garrith Jamieson confirmed that the policeman had sustained multiple gunshots, and had been rushed to a nearby hospital. It is believed the officer from the second incident had died, but the Highway Mail has been unsuccessful in obtaining confirmation from police.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects, is urged to report to the police by calling the crime stop number 08600 10111 or by giving a tip-off on the MySAPS app.
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