The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange, has expressed concern at the continued attacks against the police, equating the malicious attacks to nothing less than deliberately undermining the authority of the State.
This comes after the house of a police couple in Ekangala, Tshwane East, was petrol bombed in the early hours of Freedom Day. The husband and wife were the only people in the house and were asleep at the time of the incident, when they were awoken by what was later confirmed as petrol bombs thrown through a number of windows.
A shootout also ensued as shots were allegedly fired by suspects, and the husband returned fire, forcing the unknown suspects to flee.
The wife, a Sergeant in the SAPS, sustained burn wounds and was immediately rushed to hospital. The motive behind this attack is yet to be established.
“Remember, harbouring a suspect is a criminal offence. These suspects live within our communities. They are our neighbours, friends and/or family. So they are known to someone,” said the Provincial Commissioner in appealing to members of the public who might have knowledge of the identity or whereabouts of the suspects, to come forward and report to police towards apprehending those responsible for this criminality.
Lieutenant General De Lange is also calling on members of the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies not to be deterred in their efforts aimed at fighting crime and stamping the authority of the State; and more importantly, to remember to always be safe and continue to prioritise their own safety against the incessant violent attacks on police.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
