The SAPS family is mourning the tragic death of Colonel TG Sithole, the station commander of Greytown police station, who was killed yesterday evening (November 12) during a shoot-out between police and criminals along the R33, Greytown / Ngome area, reports Northern Natal News.

Colonel Sithole was originally from Ladysmith; born in Roosboom.

Shoot-out follows armed robbery

The station commander’s tragic death followed a robbery at Lucky Store, a supermarket in the Greytown CBD. The robbers fled the scene, with police pursuing them along the R33 towards Msinga, where a shoot-out ensued.

Sithole was fatally shot during the exchange of gunfire.

Police vow to find her killers

According to KwaZulu-Natal Provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in tracking down the suspects who shot and killed Sithole and injured another police officer, Sergeant Gumede.

”The station commander was leading her team in responding to a business robbery in Greytown, where a shop owner was shot and injured and employees assaulted,” said Netshiunda.

Two suspects killed, one injured

Netshiunda further stated that at least 10 suspects fled in a Toyota Quantum. Police, assisted by private security, pursued them along the R33 towards Msinga, where a shoot-out erupted. The station commander was fatally shot, while a sergeant sustained an injury to the arm and was rushed to hospital.

According to Netshiunda, two suspects were shot dead, one was injured and arrested, while others escaped into the mountains.

Police recovered three firearms, including two rifles and a handgun.

KZN premier conveys condolences

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has paid tribute to Colonel Sithole, describing her as a brave police officer. The premier commended Sithole for her courage and dedication to fighting crime, saying that her actions, alongside fellow police officers and private security personnel, demonstrated the commitment of law enforcement to protecting communities from criminal elements.

In a statement, Ntuli said, “Colonel Sithole displayed immense courage in confronting armed criminals and protecting our communities. We commend her bravery, dedication and commitment to the fight against crime. Her passing is a great loss to the police service and the communities she served.”

Ntuli extended his condolences to Colonel Sithole’s family, friends and colleagues, particularly the SAPS Greytown team, while wishing Sergeant Gumede a speedy recovery.

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