Cape Town authorities are investigating the murder of a police sergeant, whose body was discovered in the Browns Farm area of Philippi on Tuesday.

The 42-year-old officer was reportedly found with his hands and feet bound. His body is said to have been burned.

“Upon arrival in Msingizana Street in Browns Farm, they found the body of a man who sustained fatal injuries. The 42-year-old man was declared deceased on the scene,” said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, or the Hawks, which is leading the investigation, has not revealed the identity of the officer. Officials have confirmed that he was stationed at the Athlone SAPS.

The suspects are still at large.

This discovery has sent shockwaves through the police force and the broader Cape Town community.

Mluleki Mbhele, the Provincial Secretary of the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) in the Western Cape, condemned the killing, describing it as “barbaric.”

Mbhele expressed concern over the safety of police officers, calling on the Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape police to enhance protective measures for law enforcement members.

 “A death of one police member is one too many.”

Mbhele urged officers to remain vigilant and to do what is necessary to protect themselves.

“Use necessary force as determined by the law when faced with situations that threaten their lives and the lives of innocent citizens.”

POPCRU is also demanding swift action from the justice system, with Mbhele emphasising that police must do all that it can to ensure the perpetrators are found.

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