Two police officers were shot leaving one dead in separate incidents in Piet Retief last Saturday.
According to police, their officers were called to a scene of mob justice where two men were assaulted by a group of community members who were accusing the duo of committing common robberies in and around the taxi rank. As the police were trying to calm the angry mob, a shot went off from the crowd and hit Sergeant Patrick Mthobeni.
He was rushed to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. When the mob dispersed one of the suspects was found lying dead on the ground and while the other was rushed to hospital and was also declared dead.
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In a separate incident, Constable Nkosingiphile Ninela arrived home after work where he was involved in an altercation with a relative. It is alleged that the relative used the Cst Ninela’s firearm and shot him several times in the back. “Ninela is in hospital where he is reported to be in a critical condition while his relative has been arrested for attempted murder,” said the police.
The Acting National Commissioner has condemned the Piet Retief community of vigilantism.
“It is tantamount to undermining the authority of the state. The police are mandated by the Constitution of the Republic to uphold the rule of law. Those community members who participated in an act that left a police officer and two people dead, will be traced and arrested. The Province has instituted the 72-Hour Activation plan to ensure that all relevant role players have been mobilised,” he said.
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Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators is requested to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111, all information received will be treated with confidentiality.
