Dominic Adriaanse
The Western Cape has suffered the most attacks on police officers of all provinces.
This is what national police spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi, said on Monday after constable Mthetho Sandla, 35, was shot dead and his partner wounded when they responded to a business robbery in Delft early yesterday.
A total of 714 police officers have come under attack nationally – 276 in the Western Cape alone, Mulaudzi said.
About 38 police officers have been killed this year.
“As of the turn of the year, 276 police officers in total have been attacked within the province.
“The Western Cape has the most attacks on police officers of all provinces” said Mulaudzi.
Hawks spokesperson, Lloyd Ramovha, confirmed police officers responded to a robbery in progress at a garage in Delft Main Road early yesterday.
“The officers came on the scene and were ambushed by two AK-47 wielding suspects who shot at them indiscriminately before fleeing,” said Ramovha.
Three balaclava-clad accomplices emerged from the store, joined the shooters as they fled and left explosives behind, Ramovha said,
“This points at a failed ATM bombing attempt.
“A 35-year-old constable succumbed to his injuries on the scene while a warrant officer is receiving treatment at a hospital.
“No arrests have been made,” he said.
Monday’s incident followed last month’s killing of constable Luntu Nkabi in what his family believed was a “planned and well orchestrated” attack.
Other recent attacks on police officers included Lindekile Skade, who was shot and killed outside his Lower Crossroads house and his official gun taken, a 32-year-old constable, stationed at Mitchells Plain shot and wounded while sitting in a vehicle in Nyanga, and a 42-year-old warrant officer, stationed at Milnerton, shot and wounded while responding to a business robbery in Joe Slovo, Milnerton.
Community Safety MEC Dan Plato condemned yesterday’s attack.
“This murder in cold blood is an attack on the police and an attack on the communities our officers work to keep safe,” said Plato.
His department offered a R50 000 reward for information resulting in an arrest and successful conviction.
Anyone with any information about the shooting can contact Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.