Constable Lindokuhle Backum, 24, was shot and killed while on duty in Umkhanyakude, KwaZulu-Natal, police said on Wednesday.
Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said Backum, who was stationed in the Umkhanyakude area, was on duty on Tuesday night at about 21:00.
He and his police colleagues spotted a “suspicious looking” vehicle in the Makhonyeni area in Jozini. They tried to the vehicle, but the driver sped off and a chase ensued.
“It is alleged that the suspects opened fire on police and in the process Backum was shot in the neck and was fatally wounded,” said Zwane. He said the suspects managed to get away.
A manhunt is under way, said Zwane. He added that the death of Constable came as a blow to ongoing crime fighting initiatives in the area.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa said: “We condemn these attacks directed at police officers who were in the forefront of our crime fighting initiatives, Backum was shot and killed in the line of duty and died a hero”.
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