The Khayelitsha community has seen several deadly shootings over the past week. In the latest incident, Police have launched a manhunt, after an on-duty police constable was gunned down in Khayelitsha late on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old official – who was based at the Khayelitsha Police Station – was busy conducting a stop-and-search operation with his colleagues in Q Block when they came under attack. The Police’s Brigadier Novela Potelwa explained what occurred:
“Police have opened a murder and attempted murder docket. The investigation has since been taken over by DPCI investigators. Psychosocial support for the colleagues of the deceased member is currently being provided by the SAPS employee health and wellness practitioners,” said Potelwa.
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Potelwa elaborated that the identity of the deceased constable will be released once his next of kin has been informed.
Furthermore, Western Cape provincial commissioner Lt General Thembisile Patekile has assured that no resources will be spared in getting to the perpetrator of the act.
“It is disheartening that police officials who are deployed to bring safety to communities, find themselves being targeted by criminals. Our reinforced deployments are hard at work in efforts to apprehend the suspect,” said Patekile.
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The latest shooting incident comes mere days after four people, including three children, were murdered in the same township. Three other children were also left wounded in that attack. Two suspects who were subsequently apprehended will appear in court on Friday.
