National SAPS Commissioner condemns killing of Constable De Lange

The National Police Commissioner, General Khehla John Sitole is calling for the speedy arrest of the men responsible for the killing of Constable Petrus Gerhardus de Lange.

Const Pieter De Lange and his wife Nelmarie. Photo: Supplied

POLOKWANE – De Lange, who is attached to the Westenburg Police Station, was fatally wounded when attacked by unknown assailants which on duty observing possible drug dealing at the corner of Witklip and Bulawayo Street late last night, 8 November.

Two vehicles, a white BMW and a white Mercedes Benz with a black roof, stopped next to the vehicle in which De Lange was seated. Four armed men emerged from both the vehicles and opened fire on them. The constable retaliated and was shot during the shootout. He died on his way to the hospital.

It’s been reported that during the shooting a truck driver was also shot and wounded in his hand by a stray bullet, said the Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.

General Sitole has condemned the killing of Constable De Lange and has ordered that the 72-hour Activation Plan be mobilised to identify and bring those responsible to book.

The killing of Constable De Lange brings to 42 the number of police officers killed since the 1st of April 2018 to date. Eighteen of these officers were killed whilst on duty and 24 were killed off duty.

“We have lost 42 police officers at the hands of criminals since the start of this financial year alone. The number of our police officers being attacked and killed remains at an unacceptable level despite proactive and reactive interventions,” added General Sitole.

Anyone with information which can assist the police in apprehending the people responsible for the attack last night is requested to contact the toll free Crime Stop number at 086 000 10111.

Callers may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest confidence, concluded Moajapelo.