The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has expressed shock and sadness on the tragic killing of a dedicated police Sergeant yesterday afternoon, 28 January 2024, in East London.
It is reported that at about 17:30 on the mentioned date, the fallen Sergeant and her colleagues were on duty when their police vehicle had a tyre puncture at Settlers Way in Westbank outside East London. It is further reported that a passing motorist stopped to assist and allowed officers to sit in his vehicle while they were awaiting assistance from their colleagues from SAPS Kidds Beach.
While the members were seated in the vehicle, a BMW stopped next to them and fired shots at the vehicle. The 38-year old Sergeant, stationed at SAPS Kidds Beach and the 50-year-old motorist, were fatally shot while two other police officials (a reservist Sergeant and a Constable) escaped unharmed. The suspects’ vehicle sped off, and no arrest has been made. The motive for the shooting is yet to be established.
Police are investigating a case of murder (x2) and attempted murder.
Lt Gen Mene extends her deepest condolences to the families of the police Sergeant. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, as we mourn in disbelief on the tragic loss of this remarkable individual. Her untimely and senseless death has shocked the SAPS Family, reminding us of the dangers that police officers face every single day. We appeal to the communities to come forward with any information that can assist in speedily tracking and tracing the suspects involved,’ added Lt Gen Mene.
