Photo for illustration. (Photo: Leo Moko / Unsplash)
A 43-year-old police sergeant from Makhanda (Grahamstad) in the Eastern Cape was brutally attacked on Saturday morning when she left her police quarters to report for duty. The incident took place around 05:40.
According to col. Priscilla Naidu, police spokesperson, said the woman was allegedly overpowered by her ex-boyfriend and attacked with a hammer.
“She was repeatedly hit on the head and on her hands. As she tried to run back to her room, the suspect grabbed her firearm and shot her. He fled with the firearm,” Naidu said.
“The seriously injured sergeant was admitted to hospital. It was later confirmed that she did not suffer gunshot wounds.”
Police launched a manhunt for the suspect and later found him dead on Orgley Street in Makhanda. He allegedly shot himself.
An inquest will be held.
The police are also investigating cases of attempted murder, assault on a police officer and theft.
In a separate incident on Friday, an Eastern Cape police sergeant was killed.
Sgt. Vuyolethu Madala (39) ran a local tavern at the KwaNtsila settlement in Tombo, Port St. Johns, was visiting when the incident occurred. He was not on duty during the incident.
According to Naidu, Madala was assaulted when he left the bar. Two men followed him outside and shot him dead from behind.
The suspects fled in a white van without number plates and are still being sought. The make of the van is unknown.
“He was rushed to a nearby clinic, but succumbed to his injuries on arrival.”
The police are investigating a case of murder. The motive is not known.
Maj. Genl. Be quiet Play itacting police commissioner in this province, says such brutal attacks on police officers must not be tolerated.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of both victims and we wish our injured colleague a speedy recovery.
“We call on everyone at all levels of society to stand with the police to stop these merciless attacks. The high number of cases of gender-based violence in our communities, including our organization, is a clarion call that everyone must come together to ensure that the most vulnerable are not abused.”
