MEC welcomes arrest of suspects linked to police officer’s murder

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, applauded the provincial police for the swift arrests of five suspects linked to the murder of the Elukwatini Police’s station commander, Col Beauty Marivate.

The police are still looking for other culprits.

Shongwe also condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms.

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“Men and women in blue remain at the forefront of the fight against crime, and attacking them constitutes an attack on communities. That is why such level of savagery is similar to attacking the state and as such, should be harshly dealt with.

“Anybody attacking law enforcers or the police is declaring war on the state. The police remain critical in our efforts to ensure communities are and feel safe. That is why the police must work around the clock to bring such culprits to book,” Shongwe said.

He called on the communities to give the police any information that may assist in this and other criminal cases.

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He stated that the police must not be discouraged by such callousness, but should continue to work hard to protect communities and themselves.

Shongwe sent his heartfelt condolences to the police minister, Bheki Cele, the national police commissioner, Gen Khehla Sitole, the provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, the Marivate family, the entire SAPS management and all affected officials at the station.