The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola has commended the police for the swift arrest of a 38-year-old suspect who shot and killed two police officers in Kimberley on Tuesday morning.

35-year-old Constable Okaetse Mandindi and 45-year-old Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo, who were both attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad were tracing a stolen vehicle when they were fatally shot.

The pair had followed up on information about the stolen vehicle that was on route from Bloemfontein to Kimberley, when they spotted the vehicle in the Northern Cape Town.

A high speed chase ensued, with the suspect speeding off into the Transnet premises where he crashed the vehicle.

The suspect then fled on foot, with Constable Mandindi and Sergeant Masilo in hot pursuit. The man started firing on the officers, fatally wounding both.

He was arrested shortly afterwards, following the mobilisation of maximum police resources.

Sergeant Masilo joined the service in 2007 and had 16 years service at the time of her death while Constable Mandindi joined the service in 2012 and at the time of his death had been serving for 11 years.

General Masemola says the organisation will ensure justice prevails for their families, friends and colleagues.

“The killing of these members happens a week before the commemoration of 34 members who died in the line of duty in the 2022/2023 financial year. We will work hard to secure a water tight case that will result in a lengthy conviction for this perpetrator”, said Masemola.

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The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 24 August 2023 on a number of charges including two counts of murder.

To Sergeant Masilo and Constable Mandindi while the arrest of your perpetrator will not bring you back, may your souls rest in peace knowing that you died serving and protect South Africa and all its inhabitants.