The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has strongly condemned the incident in which a 37-year-old police Sergeant was fatally shot during a shootout with suspects. The incident occurred on Friday 25 March 2022, around 11:00 at Kabokweni.
According to the information, members at Kabokweni were following up on information where about 15 suspects were said to have been gathering at a certain guesthouse.
Upon noticing the arrival of the Police, the suspects began fleeing whilst opening fire towards the men and women in blue. The Sergeant was unfortunately shot and thereafter taken to hospital where he was sadly certified dead upon arrival.
The Sergeant has since been identified as Enock Themba Nsimba who was working at Kabokweni Visible Policing.
Meanwhile police launched a manhunt for the suspects and as a result, six of the said suspects were arrested. A total of eight firearms with ammunition were also confiscated, including an AK-47 rifle as well as two other rifles and five pistols.
Four vehicles were also confiscated. During the crossfire, one suspect sustained some injuries and he is receiving medical attention. A manhunt for the remaining suspects has since been launched.
The six are expected to appear at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 28 March 2022 on charges of murder, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges. Preliminary investigation suggests that during the time of the incident, the suspects were orchestrating an armed robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has sent heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain member and vehemently called for law to deal harshly with the perpetrators. “We cannot lose members like this and remain silent. We hope that justice will be served for the member who died with his boots on” said the General.
