TRT officer shot dead in Ezakheni
His state firearm was stolen during the incident
A constable attached to the Ladysmith Tactical Response Team (TRT) was shot dead on Saturday night.
30-year-old TRT officer Constable Sifiso Sithembiso Yende was at home in Ezakheni B-Section at about 9pm when he evidently heard cries for help coming from a neighbour’s house. He rushed to their assistance and was subsequently shot and killed by three armed suspects.
His state firearm was stolen during the incident.
Following up on information about the killers, police approached a house in the Emcitsheni area of Ezakheni in the early hours of Sunday morning. As they moved to encircle the house, shots were fired at them. Police fired back and the suspects fled.
Two bystanders were slightly injured during the shooting. At this stage, it is not clear whether the bullets that grazed them were fired by the suspects or SAPS. Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder.
Update: MEC Mchunu strongly condemns this act of violence. “We find the increasing number of attacks on policemen very disturbing and totally unacceptable. The job of police officers is to provide safety and a secured environment for citizens of the country. As such, they should be treated with respect and admiration. These are men and women who have sacrificed their lives to serve the community to the best of their ability. Therefore, we condemn any attack directed at them. In fact, members of the community should work with the police to isolate criminals and protect police from these criminals,” said MEC Mchunu.
