Constable Sithembiso Makhathini from Estcourt SAPS was laid to rest on Sunday (February 25).
Makhathini was shot and killed on Saturday, February 17, during a business robbery in Phangweni.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan, the 38-year-old off-duty police officer was walking along when he came across a business robbery in progress. His crime prevention instincts kicked in and he immediately placed himself on duty. During the confrontation with the suspects, the officer was shot. He was rushed to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Another person was also shot and injured.
Minister of Police General Bheki Cele and SAPS National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola were in attendance at the funeral. Speaking at the funeral, Cele pleaded with communities to work together with the police, saying that Makhathini was shot in the presence of the community at a business premises during daylight hours. He said that police officers are shot by people who are known in the community.
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Masemola said that 22 police officers were killed between October and December 2023. 10 were killed on duty and 12 off duty. During this period, 12 cop killers were arrested and two were sentenced to life behind bars.
Khan added that after the shooting incident, police in KwaZulu-Natal set in motion a 72-hour mobilisation plan in search of at least three suspects who shot and killed the police officer.
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