Pretoria , Thursday 09 March 2017 : The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, condemns the killing of two police officers in the Northern Cape on Wednesday afternoon.
Members of the South African Police Service were responding to a domestic violence dispute in Kimberley where one of their own was a victim. Reports suggest that a gun wielding man against whom a protection order was granted, opened fire on the officers during which two police officials were fatally wounded. The suspect was fatally wounded during the cross-fire. The third officer was admitted to a local hospital in a critical condition.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Risimati Shivuri , has appointed a team to ensure a thorough investigation into this unfortunate incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.
The senseless attacks on and killing of members of the South African Police Service is considered an attack on the authority of the State and must be condemned by all. Our people are now deprived of resources to combat incidents of crime.
“As the South African Police Service we condemn these attacks directed at our officers who were at the forefront of combating gender based violence. We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the two officers and wish the constable who is hospitalised a speedy recovery. We urge our members not to be deterred from tackling crimes such as this in a bid to ensure that we realise our goals of a crime free society,” said the Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General, Khomotso Phahlane.
