On August 14, the Royal Eswatini Police (REP), with the assistance of Commissioner Vusie Manoma Masango, traced three suspected killers to Eswatini.

Lowvelder reports that the suspects allegedly shot and killed Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni on August 8, while he and fellow officers were responding to a burglary at a business centre in Schoemansdal.

According to the REP, two additional suspects were later traced to the Sishweleni region. When they noticed the police, they allegedly opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and fatally shoot both suspects.

In a statement, National Commissioner of Police General Fannie Masemola thanked the cross-border operation and Masango for assisting in tracing the killers to Eswatini.

“On behalf of SAPS and Mtshweni’s family, we would like to thank the REP, led by Masango, as well as the Umbutfo Defence Force for assisting Mpumalanga SAPS in locating these killers. We look forward to strengthening and deepening our co-operation on law enforcement matters.

“The attacks and killing of our police officers are a serious concern, and we call on communities to help put a stop to these killings. From April 1 to date, we have already lost six police officers; we cannot afford to lose more. We need as many boots on the ground as possible to prevent and combat crime,” says Masemola.

Further investigation led Eswatini police to Mantambe in Shiselweni, where a third suspect allegedly took his own life with a pistol before police could arrest him.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli extended his condolences to Mtshweni’s family.

“Mtshweni’s sacrifice is a stark reminder of the risks our police officers face every day. It is a profound loss, not only for his family and friends, but for the entire SAPS community and the society he diligently served. Thank you for allowing him to dedicate his life to serving our nation. Your support and sacrifices have undoubtedly contributed to his ability to uphold the values we hold dear in SAPS.”

SAPS leadership, led by Masemola, will attend the funerals of three members who died in the line of duty this past week. Mtshweni will be buried on Saturday, August 16, in Schoemansdal.

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