Siphelele Nketo
EASTERN Cape police have launched investigations following a shooting incident that left a male police investigator dead and a female cop injured in Mthatha on Wednesday, April 22.
At around 4.30pm, the two cops from the Madeira Detective Unit in Mthatha were returning home from duty.
They were attacked while seated in a white Isuzu bakkie outside the residence of the female officer in New Brighton in the Ngangelizwe township.
It was reported that a white Volkswagen Polo was seen parked a short distance from the scene about two hours before the attack.
Two males exited the Polo vehicle, approached the Isuzu and fired multiple shots at both officers. The suspects then fled in the Polo towards the R61 highway in the direction of Port St. John’s.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana stated that the deceased police officer sustained gunshot wounds on the upper body and head, and he was declared dead at the scene.
The injured police officer, who managed to call for help despite her injuries, was rushed to hospital by a responding officer and remains in critical condition.
“Crime scene experts recovered several 9mm cartridge cases at the scene,” Gantana said. At the time of going to press, the name of the deceased officer was still being withheld until the next-of-kin had been formally notified.
Since the motive for the killing forms part of investigations, police have appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the white Polo to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide information via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially.
The Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata has expressed sadness at the death and injury of the officers.
“We are devastated by the loss of a dedicated police officer and the critical injury of another who showed extraordinary bravery. I call on anyone with information to come forward so we can bring these cowards to justice,” remarked Lieutenant General Ncata.
