The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela, has condemned the killing of Colonel Beauty Marivate of Elukwatini police on 30 December.

The commissioner also applauded the swift arrest of five suspects in connection with the incident.

According to police, Colonel Marivate received a call about a business burglary in progress and rushed to the scene while other officers made their way to provide backup.

Upon the Colonel’s arrival at the scene, she was noticed by the suspects and a shoot-out ensued. She was shot and injured in the process.

When the other officers arrived they immediately called emergency services and she was rushed to hospital where she succumbed to her injuries.

The other officers managed to arrest one of the suspects, who was allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

They gathered additional information and traced the other suspects who were hiding out in a house at Enhlazatshe. They were swiflty arrested.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court today, 31 December on various charges.

The commissioner extended her heartfelt condolences to the family of the late senior officer.

She also further applauded her for her many years of excellent service and contribution in the fight against crime.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, said, “The men and women in blue remain at the forefront of the fight against crime and attacking them, constitutes an attack on communities.”

Such level of savagery is similar to attacking the state and should be harshly dealt with.

“Anybody attacking law enforcers or the police, is declaring war on the state.

The police remain critical in our efforts to ensure communities are and feel safe.

That is why the police must work around the clock to bring such culprits to book,” he said.

According to him, they are looking for other culprits in this case.