GAUTENG MEC for community safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, has expressed shock and disgust at the senseless killing of two metro police officers in separate incidents.
In Booysens, JMPD officer DA Ratshikhopa was shot in the head as he tried to stop an alleged hijacking incident during the early hours of February 13. The 47-year-old succumbed to his injuries at Milpark Hospital on the following day.
And in Ekurhuleni, EMPD officer Constable Makhubu was fatally shot during a robbery at an Engen garage in Selcourt, Springs. According to reports, the robbers used explosives to blow up the drop-in safe at the garage shop and took an undisclosed amount of money as well as cigarettes.
As the robbery was ensuing, an EMPD vehicle with two officers drove into the filling station, and the robbers started shooting at the officers. Makhubu (50) sustained multiple gunshots wounds and was certified dead on the scene, while the other officer in the car escaped unharmed.
“The province has been robbed of selfless and dedicated members of our law enforcement agencies,” Nkosi-Malobane said. “I am totally taken aback by these brazen attacks and disregard of our police officers by these callous criminals. Such acts of brutality cannot go unpunished, and I am confident that our investigation team will work around the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book.
“On behalf of the Gauteng provincial government, I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and fellow colleagues of the two officers.”
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