An attack on one cop is an attack on all, says Phahlane

Acting national commissioner of police Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane has condemned the ongoing attacks on and killing of members of the police.

“On Tuesday one of our own was fatally wounded by unknown gunmen in Kliptown, Soweto,” said Phahlane’s spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

“At the time of the incident, the deceased and his colleague were on duty. They were on patrol in the area when they were attacked and fired upon, resulting in the death of one of them.

“His colleague is receiving support and trauma counselling. During the ordeal, the service pistols of both officers were stolen,” said Mathe.

“We call on our communities to continue to work with the SA Police Service (SAPS) in condemning the callous attacks on and/or killing of our members.

“Anyone with information that will assist the SAPS to apprehend those responsible for attacks on or killing of police officers are called on to come forward. Information can be passed on to the Crime Stop facility, anonymously if need be, by calling 08600-10111 or by texting 32211,” Mathe said.

Phahlane said an attack on one officer was an attack on all. “The fact that our members are attacked in the line of duty, serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges our officers are faced with daily to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe.

“As the South African Police Service, we will ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to book,” Phahlane said.

Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant-General Deliwe de Lange and her team are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder and theft of firearms in connection with this incident.

“In another incident, on Monday afternoon, a Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer as well as one of our officers were shot and wounded in Johannesburg North during a shoot-out. In the Eastern Cape, a constable was shot and wounded in Engcobo during a shoot-out with brazen criminals,” said Mathe.

“It is worth noting that the multidisciplinary team established to deal with investigating police murders has registered progress in the reduction of the number of police members killed in the line of duty.”

During the 2015-16 financial year 79 police officers died, 40 of them in the line of duty. In the 2016-17 financial year which is now ending, 57 police officers lost their lives, of which 31 of them were killed on duty.

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