The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Vusi Shongwe, applauded the provincial police under the leadership of Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, for the swift arrest of suspects linked to the murder of a police sergeant in KaBokweni last week.

According to the reports, the SAPS member was killed when the police were following up on a tipoff that a group of about 15 suspects reportedly planning a heist had gathered in a certain guest house in the area. As the members approached, the suspects fled the scene and started shooting at the police. According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brig Selvy Mohlala, the police officer was hit by a bullet during the shoot-out and was immediately taken to hospital, where he was certified dead upon arrival.

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“The police officer has since been identified as Sgt Enock Themba Nsimba, who was working with KaBokweni Visible Policing,” said Mohlala. “Meanwhile, the other members did not retreat, but kept on the heels of the suspects and as a result, six of them were arrested. Eight firearms with ammunition were also confiscated, including an AK-47 rifle as well as other two rifles and five pistols. Four vehicles were confiscated. During the crossfire, one suspect sustained some injuries and is receiving medical attention. A manhunt for the remaining suspects has since been launched.”

He said the six suspects made a brief appearance in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court on Monday March 28, on charges of murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and were remanded in custody.

“The police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges to the suspects. Preliminary investigation suggests that during the time of the incident, the suspects were orchestrating an armed robbery,” Mohlala said.

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Reacting on the matter, Shongwe said the police should leave no stone unturned and ensure that all suspects linked to this horrific incident, are urgently brought to book. He said there is no amount of disrespect similar to attacking members of security agencies.

“The police lay down their lives every day to protect the communities and enforce the law. That is why we view any attack on security agencies as an attack on the community and the state. It is in this context that we condemn the barbaric and cowardice act and killing of a police officer in the strongest possible terms. We are therefore appealing to communities to work with the police in solving the case,” said Shongwe.

He also encouraged the police to remain unfazed in their work to protect communities. He said they should always remain vigilant when responding to crime scenes and also protect one another.