Phahlane condemns attacks on police officers
Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, on Tuesday condemned the attacks and killings of police officers after a South African Police Service member was fatally wounded.
"The fact that our members are attacked in the line of duty, serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges our officers are faced with daily to ensure that South Africans are and feel safe," Phahlane said in a statement.
"An attack on one officer is an attack on all. As the South African Police Service, we will ensure that the perpetrators of this crime are brought to book."
Phahlane's spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, said that the officer was fatally wounded by unknown gunmen in Kliptown, Soweto, while he was on duty with a colleague.
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"They were on patrol in the area when they were attacked and fired upon, resulting in the death of one of them. His colleague is receiving support and trauma counselling. During the ordeal, the service pistols of both officers were stolen," Mathe said.
The South African Police Service express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member and called on communities to work with them in condemning the attacks.
"We must all work together to prevent, combat and contribute towards ensuring a thorough investigation of these crimes, with a view of eradicating crimes of this nature."
Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange, and her team are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder and theft of firearms in connection with this incident, Mathe said.
On Monday afternoon, in another incident a Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer and a police officer were shot and wounded in Johannesburg North during a shoot-out between suspects and the police, Mathe said.
"In the Eastern Cape, a constable was shot and wounded in Engcobo during a shoot-out with brazen criminals. We wish these members who have been hospitalised, a speedy recovery," said Mathe.
During the 2015/2016 financial year 79 police officers died, 40 of them in the line of duty. During the 2016/2017 financial year which is now ending, 57 police officers died, of which 31 of them were killed on duty.
"The South African Police Service remains committed to the implementation of strategies and plans aimed at combating crime across South Africa. We continue to enhance the training and development of our members to improve their tactical awareness and combat-readiness in the execution of their duties."