Cape Town – An officer attached to the Crime Intelligence unit was killed while he and a colleague were responding to a reported crime scene where diesel was being stolen at a mine near the N4 in Mpumalanga.
His colleague was severely injured.
Police said the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday morning.
“It is alleged that in the early hours of Monday, 3 April, 2023, a member from crime intelligence Middelburg received a tip-off from an informer regarding the theft of diesel at a mine near the N4.
“The member contacted his colleague from Middelburg detective services and they drove together in a State vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux double cab using the Stoffberg Road as directed by the source,” Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said.
She said that along the road, the officers came across a yellow diesel bowser truck matching the description. They made a U-turn and stopped the heavy vehicle.
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“It is further alleged that three male persons alighted from the truck and started shooting at the officers.
“In the process, one member was shot and later succumbed from his injuries while the other sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital in Middleburg for treatment,” said Sekgotodi.
She said that three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition and five cell phones were recovered at the crime scene.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Hawks head Major-General Nicholas Gerber condemned “the gruesome attack of the dedicated members”.
He appealed to members of the public, who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information, to come forward and report.
“Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators can contact the investigation officers Col Nkoana on 071 481 3503 or Capt Maboko on 071 481 3098,” said Sekgotodi.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
