A tragic incident unfolded in Mabopane on Friday, leading to the launch of a manhunt as a police officer lost his life and three others were wounded in a shooting.
The National police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, revealed that the unfortunate incident took place when officers from the Mabopane police station were on patrol and decided to stop a maroon VW Golf 1.
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According to Mathe, the officers requested the driver to produce his license, but instead of complying, the four other occupants inside the vehicle opened fire on the police.
The sudden and unprovoked attack left Sergeant Holeng Makobe fatally injured at the scene, while the three constables also sustained injuries and were treated on-site before being rushed to the hospital for further medical attention.
It was later discovered that two firearms belonging to the police officers had been stolen. This revelation prompted the police to not only investigate a case of murder and attempted murder but also robbery and malicious damage to State property.
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The loss of Sergeant Makobe, who had faithfully served within the South African Police Service (SAPS) for 15 years, has left his two children fatherless and plunged his family, friends, and colleagues into mourning.
Lieutenant General Mosikili expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer. She joins the nation in mourning the loss of yet another brave member of the SAPS.
Tragically, this incident adds to the growing number of police officers who have lost their lives this year alone.
With more than 30 officers killed so far, the SAPS management is deeply concerned about the safety of their officers while on duty. Colonel Mathe emphasized the importance of members acting swiftly and decisively when faced with a threat, using force that is proportional to the situation at hand.
