Umkomaas detective and motorist gunned down

Detective Captain Sam Nyawose (55) of the Umkomaas Saps Detective Service, was ambushed, shot multiple times and killed while on his way to work last week.

The officer was driving near Umkomaas Secondary School on the M14 in Roseneath when a vehicle with four heavily armed occupants followed him.

This was at around 7.15am.

National police spokesman, Colonel Brenda Muridili, stated the gunmen only opened fire on Captain Nyawose when he approached a speed hump.

It was discovered that firearms of a high calibre were used, resulting in the captain’s instant death.

The perpetrators fled the scene in their getaway vehicle travelling at a high speed which caught the attention of Umkomaas patrol officers in the area.

Police gave chase and while trying to evade them, the gunmen crashed their vehicle into a truck.

“The suspects then alighted from their vehicle, robbed and fatally shot a motorist (22) who was in the vicinity,” added Colonel Muridili.

Local security officers from PT Alarms found the motorist with gun shots to his neck.

He was declared dead at the scene.

Police, together with security personnel, were hot on the suspects’ trail, but after locating the vehicle nearby, it was discovered that the gunmen crashed the stolen vehicle, abandoned it and escaped once again.

PT Alarms pilot, Trishen Govender, assisted police with an aerial search for the suspects who fled into a dense bushy area.

A 72-hour Activation Plan was implemented to mobilise all the necessary resources to investigate the double murder and carjacking, but no arrests have been made as yet.

The double murder has shaken the mid-South Coast community, once again.

There have been a number of violent crimes involving shootings lately.

A month ago, a young Sezela local was shot and killed at a Park Rynie petrol station.

Two suspects (aged 25 and 37) have since been arrested and after appearing at the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court last week, were granted bail.

Two weeks ago, a driving school instructor and his learner driver were held at gunpoint and hijacked. Police chased the vehicle and a shootout ensued resulting in the death of one of the suspects while another fled.

More recent shootouts occurred in Amandawe and Malangeni this past weekend resulting in three murder victims. Official police reports on these cases are yet to be released.

Social media was also abuzz with hundreds of condolence messages pouring in for the murder victims’ families, with many honouring the slain policeman who was a well-known and respected figure in the area.

Captain Nyawose joined Saps in 1986 and was stationed at Umkomaas Detectives for the past seven years.

Colleagues, friends and family referred to him as an ‘amazing person’, who cared about everyone and who was very committed to doing things right.

When he wasn’t on duty, he enjoyed spending time at the gym as he was an avid bodybuilder.

He was also a role model to many at the gym and was always willing to offer advice to those who asked.

Many people described the officer as a big man with a big heart of gold who will be dearly missed.

(Story edited)

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