The KZN MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Willies Mchunu, released a statement today strongly condemning the murder of two police officers in less than a week.
Last week, a Mbazwana police officer together with private security officers responded to a tip-off regarding a suspect wanted for three counts of carjacking.
Upon arrival of the scene at Vimbukhalo area, the suspect opened fire killing both the 28-year-old cop and 40-year-old security officer.
Yesterday (Sunday), 40-year-old Constable Sibongiseni Mnguni, was shot and killed in Isipingo while off duty. It is alleged that he was approached while in his vehicle by a suspect who shot him in the head.
Mchunu expressed grave concerns at the increase of police murders, urging communities and their crime fighting structures to work closely with the police to ensure they had the necessary support and protection.
‘These officers are our first and last line of defence against marauding criminals. When the criminals attack and kill them, they are doing defenceless communities a huge injustice and commit grave criminality,’ said Mchunu.
‘The fact that these atrocious and horrendous acts of murder against our police officers continues to happen means we have to redouble our efforts at building a united front against all forms of criminality.’
