Mariannhill cop shot, killed outside his home
Khwela was the second policeman to have been murdered on Tuesday.
THE son of a slain Mariannhill officer is reportedly recovering in hospital after he was wounded when an unknown gunman fired shots at his father on Tuesday night.
W/O Bhekisigcino Zethembe Khwela (54) was standing with his son, chatting to a friend outside his home in KwaNdengezi when they were interrupted by a hail of bullets.
“The Mariannhill detective was killed instantly after he was shot multiple times. His son was wounded and the friend escaped unscathed,” said national police spokesperson, Brigadier Vish Naidoo.
A Mariannhill SAPS officer who wished to remain anonymous said they are all shocked and disturbed about this incident.
“We have no idea what was the reason for his murder.”
He said Khwela was a person who was dedicated to his job.
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The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole, has strongly condemned the continuous attacks on and killing of police officers.
Khwela was the second policeman killed on Tuesday following the killing of Captain Lumkile Wiseman Tyibilika in the Eastern Cape.
“The motives for both incidents are not conclusive at this stage, but form part of investigations. In both incidents the 72 hour Activation Plan is being implemented. The killing of our two colleagues is a reflection of what police must endure on a daily basis,” said Sitole.
He added that he has instructed the provincial commissioners of both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to mobilise maximum resources to track down those responsible and bring them to book.
#sapsHQ The Mariannhill detective was killed instantly after he was shot multiple times, his son was wounded & the friend escaped unscathed. Although the 2 incidents are not related, this has been the second killing of a policeman yesterday alone #CrimeStop ME
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 24, 2018
Anyone with information on these murders is urged to contact toll free Crime Stop number on 086 00 10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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