Minister of Police General Bheki Cele has paid his respects to the families of two police officers killed in the line of duty during lockdown.
Sandton Police Station Vispol Constable Percy Ramalepe (33) was shot and killed while responding to a complaint of domestic violence in Sandton on 9 April, allegedly by the 60-year-old husband of the complainant. The man then turned the gun on himself and died at the scene. Cst Ramalepe was buried in Giyani.
The second officer, Northern Cape Organised Crime Unit’s Sergeant Steven Damoense (33) was fatally stabbed while on patrol in Rietvale, Modderrivier on 30 March. A suspect is in custody. Sgt Damoense was buried in Delportshoop.
The minister expressed his condolences to the families of the officers. He also took the opportunity to remind law enforcement agencies to guard against possible infection of the coronavirus. “That there are a number of police members who have tested positive for the coronavirus is no anomaly and it is for this reason that we are appealing to members of the public to do the right thing and stay home to protect our members who are out there on the streets, exposed and vulnerable to infection and spreading of the virus.”
Cele encouraged officers to take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of those they serve.
