Police officer killed in shootout with diesel thieves

A police officer has been shot dead in the line of duty after trying to apprehend suspects who had stolen diesel.

It is understood Crime Intelligence Middleburg received a tip off regarding the theft of diesel at a mine near the N4 on Monday.

Shootout

Hawks spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said the officer contacted his colleague from Middleburg Detective Services in Mpumalanga and the duo went to investigate the incident.

“They drove together in the state vehicle, white Toyota Hilux double cab, using the Stoffburg road as directed by the source,” Sekgotodi said.

“Along the road, they came across a yellow diesel bowser matching the description and made a U-turn, and stopped it. It is further alleged that three male persons alighted from the truck and started shooting at the officers.

“In the process, one member was shot and later succumbed from his injuries while the other sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital in Middleburg for treatment,” she said.

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Killing condemned

Sekgotodi added that three pistols with 25 rounds ammunition and five cell phones were recovered at the crime scene.

“The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber condemned the gruesome attack  of the dedicated members. He appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed  the incident  or who may have information to come forward all information received will be dealt with in strict confidence.”

Sekgotodi has urged anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators to contact the police.

Domestic violence

Meanwhile, a 49-year-old woman has been shot dead by her husband.

According to police, the woman from Mankweng, outside Polokwane, was killed by her 50-year-old husband, after the two had a domestic squabble.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said police are investigating a murder.

 “It appears that the argument became so heated that the husband pulled out a 9mm firearm and shot his wife,” he said.

ALSO READ: Mankweng woman shot by husband after argument