Cape Town - A man has been arrested after a policewoman was shot dead and her colleague critically wounded on Tuesday night when three men opened fire on them while they were on duty in Philippi East.
On Wednesday morning Hawks spokesman Captain Lloyd Ramovha said Constable Amanda Ladlokova, 33, of Delft and her 39-year-old colleague - a sergeant - had been responding to a complaint in Acacia Street at about 8.30pm when they were attacked by three armed men. Police did not release the names of the sergeant.
Ramovha said a 19-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting.
The armed men opened fire on the two officers and Ladlokova died at the scene while her partner was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
“The officers had just finished serving a protection order at one address when they were approached with a similar complaint within the vicinity. On their way to assist, they were suddenly allegedly shot at by about three armed man, who subsequently robbed them of their firearms before they fled the scene,” said Ramovha.
Constable Amanda Ladlokova and her colleague - a sergeant - had been responding to a complaint when they were shot. Picture: Supplied
He added that the Hawks were still hunting for two suspects.
The 19-year-old who has been arrested is due to appear at the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Friday to face charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Four months ago it was reported that the Western Cape had until then had the most police attacks in the country for the year.
At the time, national police spokesman Hangwani Mulaudzi said a total of 714 police officers had come under attack nationally, 276 of those in the Western Cape alone.
Philippi East Community Police Forum chairwoman Wendy Bikauri said the community was shocked by the incident.
“We are still a bit shaken by the loss of a police officer in our area and the brutal attack on police.
“It makes us wonder whether they were attacked for their firearms, or was it just a hate crime.
“These men and women (referring to police members) are humans. They are here to protect us, to serve us, just like any other employed worker is.
“Why is it that they are being targeted like this? It is a shame. We are still very shocked by this and condemn this act of cruelty,” said Bikauri.
Bikauri said she knew Ladlokova personally.
“She was a very sweet women, very quiet but sweet,” she said.
Western Cape MEC for Community Safety Dan Plato sent his condolences to the family of the slain policewoman.
“We are very shocked and traumatised by the latest attack on police officers.
“Looking at the task they had to fulfil, dealing with a domestic violence case, and the sadness that a woman police officerâ??s life had to be taken away like that. This is a life of a woman, the life of a mother, a colleague.
“We will continue to fight the scourge of criminality.
“Police will leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators and they must rot in jail,” said Plato.
Cape Argus