Policewoman honours her pledge to serve and protect

An Elukwatini woman police officer has been praised for her heroic actions after arresting a thug who had allegedly attempted to rob a shop belonging to a foreign national.

Sgt Nomhle Msiza, who is stationed at the Elukwatini police station near Badplaas, arrested the gun-wielding suspect last Tuesday at about 14:00 in Tjakastad.

According to Elukwatini police spokesman, Const Peace Mbokane, the man was arrested after he allegedly attempted to rob a shop belonging to an Ethiopian national at gun-point.

Mbokane said the suspect allegedly entered the shop and pretended to be a customer.

“According to the shop owner, Bemuduna Sudubo, the man produced a firearm and live ammunition fell on the ground. He then forced Sudubo to show him where the safe was. When the gunman was distracted by the money, Sudubo charged and wrestled with him calling for help from people outside the shop,” he said.

During the struggle the thug tried to shoot Sudubo, failed and then struck him on the head with the pistol.

Sudubo started to bleed profusely, which gave the would-be robber the chance to flee.

“The brave woman police officer, Msiza, who was driving around the area, saw Sudubo storming out of the shop after the gunman. She immediately joined the chase with members of the community who also pursued the suspect. The man was eventually cornered and arrested,” said Mbokane.

A 7.65 pistol was found in his possession and will be sent for ballistic tests.

The station commander of Elukwatini, Col Baby Masango was inspired by the bravery of the arresting officer. “What a fitting way to bid Women’s Month goodbye. Criminals should learn a lesson from this: when you strike a woman, you strike a rock. I am so happy for this exemplary member,” she said.

Meanwhile, the suspect appeared in the Eerstehoek Periodical Court last Wednesday but the case was postponed to August 8.