Cape Town - Two police officers have been shot dead and another officer has been critically wounded.
The two recent deaths bring the number of officers killed in less than a month to at least five. During this period another three officers had been wounded.
On Monday an off-duty constable was shot dead in Kraaifontein. The Hawks have identified the man as Mziwonke Siwisa. His firearm had been stolen.
Police spokesman Andre Traut said that the officer had been stationed at the police’s Sea Border unit in Table Bay Harbour.
Siwisa was murdered in Ngculu Street, Wallacedene, in Kraaifontein at around 5.20am while on his way to work.
“The (police) member who was dressed in civilian clothes over his uniform succumbed on the scene and the suspect or suspects fled with his official firearm.
“The Western Cape police are saddened by the loss of another colleague, and we vow to fight back at police killings with all our resources,” said Traut.
Siwisa’s death was preceded by the murder of another officer, who was shot dead near Bomvana Street in Browns Farm on Sunday.
Hawks spokesman Lloyd Ramovha said constable Sibanda Klaas, 38, stationed at the Khayelitsha Court, was off duty when he was killed at around 2am. “The motive is suspected to relate to taxi violence. No arrests have yet been made. The investigation is under way,” Ramovha said.
Meanwhile, more police officers were attacked in Gugulethu in the early hours of Monday.
Ramovha said: “Police officers on patrol came under fire when they were allegedly ambushed by about three armed suspects in Makateng Street, Gugulethu. Members retaliated and the suspects fled the scene on foot. One member was critically injured and is currently receiving treatment.”
Community Safety MEC Dan Plato said the province ranked top in the number of police attacks. “We are horrified and shocked by the spate of police attacks in the Western Cape. This is giving the province a bad name and we are currently topping the list in the number of police killed in the country,” he said.
Three weeks ago, three officers were killed in separate incidents.
Constable Amanda Ladlokova, 33, from Philippi East police station, was ambushed while she and her colleague responded to a domestic violence complaint in Acacia Park in Philippi East.
Ladlokova died at the scene while her partner was wounded. A suspect charged with murder and attempted murder has since appeared in court.
In a similar incident, Constable Masibonge Mqwada, 33, was shot and killed in Kraaifontein while reportedly dropping off a relative. On the same day, Constable Thandoxolo Ndiki, 30, was found lying wounded on the pavement in Delft. He was taken to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
In all of the attacks, the officers’ firearms were taken.
Plato said that a R100 000 reward for information which leads to a successful conviction still stands. He also urged police to exercise extra caution when on the streets.
“Be vigilant. It is clear that police are being targeted,” said Plato.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or call their nearest police station or SMS Crimeline 32211.