WATCH: Man arrested for killing two flying squad police officers

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man who shot and killed two flying squad police officers in the Northern Cape on Tuesday morning.

Constable Okaetse Mandindi, 35, and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo, 45, who are both attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad were tracing a stolen vehicle when they were fatally shot by the suspect.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed to The Citizen, the man seen in a video shared on social media was the suspect arrested.

Police said the officers spotted the vehicle in Kimberley and pursued it.

“The driver sped off and crashed the vehicle into Transnet premises. He abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot while firing shots that claimed the lives of the two officers.”

Cop killings

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 24 August, on several charges including two counts of murder.

National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola commended the police for the swift arrest.

Masemola said the organisation will ensure justice prevails for their families, friends and colleagues.

“The killing of these members happens a week before the commemoration of 34 members who died in the line of duty in the 2022/2023 financial year. We will work hard to secure a water-tight case that will result in a lengthy sentence for this perpetrator,” said Masemola.

ALSO READ: Man shoots four family members, including wife and one-year-old child

Tribute

Sergeant Masilo joined the service in 2007 and had 16 years of service at the time of her death, while Constable Mandindi joined the service in 2012 and at the time of his death had served for 11 years.

Police conveyed condolences to the families of the slain officers.

“Sergeant Masilo and Constable Mandindi, while the arrest of your perpetrator will not bring you back, may your souls rest in peace knowing that you died serving and protecting South Africa and all its inhabitants,” said police.

ALSO READ: Crime stats: Murder and sex crime down, attempted murder spike