Police launch manhunt after Hawks officer killed in Mamelodi
The sergeant was killed during an operation in which illegal firearms were seized.
Gauteng police have launched a manhunt for two suspects after a 41-year-old Hawks sergeant was fatally shot in Mamelodi during an operation.
The sergeant, Leka Maja, was killed during the tracing of illegal firearms on Thursday.
“Three suspects were also fatally shot in the incident in the far east of Mamelodi,” said Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.
The tactical members were approaching a shack in the Lusaka informal settlement, where high-calibre rifles were reportedly kept, when the suspects opened fire on them and a shootout ensued.
Mathe said four pistols as well as three rifles were seized.
Sergeant Maja was part of the tactical operations management section within the Hawks with 14 years of service under his belt.
Head of Hawks Lieutenant-General Godfrey Lebeya expressed his heartfelt sadness at the loss of such a dedicated member of the Hawks.
“The proliferation of illegal firearms in our communities is resulting not only in the loss of innocent lives, but also robs us of police officers who have sworn to defend this country and its inhabitants,” said Lebeya.
National police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said a war has been declared against criminals who attack and kill police.
“We cannot let the criminals rule, we will fight this war to regain the community’s trust,” Masemola said.
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