POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says they are shocked and saddened by the senseless killing of an off-duty police officer in the Mankweng area on Sunday night (June 2).

Detective Sergeant Luanda Rice Ringani (41) was shot dead in Mamadimo Park together with a female passenger (25) who is currently in hospital receiving treatment.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says local police responded to a shooting where upon arrival, they found the officer and a female passenger with multiple gunshot wounds inside a vehicle.

“The Detective Sergeant was declared dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel while the female victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention,” his statement read.

Ledwbaa said preliminary information suggests the victims were being followed by a suspicious silver Mercedes Benz with a Gauteng registration plate and drove to the woman’s residence in Mamadimo for safety.

“The suspects followed the victims to the place and fired several shots at them before they could enter the yard and fled the scene. The deceased officer was a dedicated member of the Detective Services attached to the Polokwane SAPS. A case of murder and an attempted murder has been opened,” Ledwaba said.

Hadebe, accompanied by SAPS senior management, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and forensics, visited the scene.

“We have mobilised resources at our disposal to ensure the swift apprehension of the suspects. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and assist the police in their efforts to arrest the suspects,” Hadebe said.

Anyone with information can contact Warrant Officer Pheladi Makola on 082 729 2233; Lieutenant Colonel Richard Bishomane on 079 894 5501 or via the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Information can also be provided via the MySAPS app.

“All information received will be treated with the strictest confidence,” Ledwaba said.