Marikana: Manhunt for suspects in policewoman’s killing

North West police are in pursuit of two male suspects involved in the murder of a 36-year-old Marikana policewoman on Monday, 30 November.

Provincial police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone urges members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.

The deceased, Julia Makgareetsa was a part of a team that on Monday was following up on a tip-off that three suspects alleged to have been committing serious and violent crimes in the Marikana area were hiding out in an RDP house in the Rooikoppies township.

Mokgwabone says the suspects spotted the authorities and a shootout ensued between the police and the assailants.

Marikana policewoman’s death caused outrage among colleagues

Makgareetsa was tragically shot in the chest and died from her injuries, but she wasn’t the only one struck in the shootout.

The third suspect was hit in the leg and taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Mokgwabone confirms the suspect is being guarded at the unnamed hospital. A pistol loaded with ammunition was found in the injured suspect’s possession.

The Marikana policewoman’s death has caused outrage in the North West policing fraternity.

READ: Law enforcement officer shot dead and second wounded

North West Police Commissioner, Sello Kwena has condemned Makgareetsa’s murder and mobilised a 72-hour activation plan meant to track down the two suspects. Kwena is quoted as saying the killing of police officers is unacceptable.

In early February 2020 Free State police officer, Lloyd Poonyane was gunned down as he and a female colleague, identified as Lydia Tladi, chased down a suspicious vehicle into Orkney in the North West where he was found dead. Tladi was injured in the shooting.

Four relatives from Lesotho whose ages range between 25 and 38- years, were promptly arrested for the crime. Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele attended Poonyane’s funeral in Viljoenskroon, and described the murder as an act of treason.