Photo: Flickr
KZN police officer killed in Umlazi shootout, four others injured on Thursday
The police in KwaZulu-Natal condemned the violence against its officers. Five officers were attacked in two separate incidents on Thursday.
Photo: Flickr
A 29-year-old police officer attached to the Public Order Police in KwaZulu-Natal was shot and killed in Umlazi on Thursday night, 2 December. The deceased is one of five officers that were attacked in KwaZulu-Natal on the day.
KZN POLICE OFFICER KILLED
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said five police officers were attacked in two separate incidents on Thursday, which resulted in the death of the Constable.
“Last night at 23:45, police officers from the Public Order Police conducted an operation in Umlazi to follow up information on people who are in unlawful possession of firearms.
“They proceeded to Zimeleni Informal Settlement at V Section in Umlazi to follow up on intelligence of a suspect who was in possession of a firearm,” said Naicker.
According to the police report, the suspect watched the officers as they approached and opened fire. Three officers were wounded, including a 29-year-old Constable who died after being transported to a hospital.
The 44-year-old suspect responsible for the shooting was fatally wounded in the gun battle. SAPS confiscated a revolver with four rounds of ammunition and a dagger. The Umlazi station is investigating charges of murder, attempted murder and an inquest docket has been opened.
OFFICERS ATTACKED WITH GARDEN TOOL
In the second incident, which took place at 15:30, police officers from Upper Tugela responded to a domestic violence incident at Dukuza near Bergville.
When the pair arrived at the scene, they found an aggressive suspect, who attacked both of them with a hoe.
One of the officers was struck on the head and the other suffered a wound to his arm. Both were taken to hospital for medical attention.
The suspect fled after the attack but the police set after him and eventually he was caught. The 29-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“We will not be deterred by ruthless criminals who have no respect for the laws of this country. We will continue to execute our constitutional mandate and arrest all those involved in criminal activities.
“I convey my heartfelt condolences to the family of our fallen police officer who died while executing his duties and I wish those police officers that were injured a speedy recovery,” said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
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