(Photo provided by the Falcons)
A police officer was killed and a second injured when they tried to stop suspected diesel thieves in Mpumalanga.
A crime intelligence officer in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, received a tip from an informant on Monday morning about the theft of diesel from a mine near the N4, says Capt. Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the directorate for priority crime investigations (the Hawks).
The officer contacted his colleague from Middelburg detective service and they drove together in a state vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie, along the Stoffberg road to the scene.
“On the way, they came across a yellow tanker that matched the description the informant gave. They made a U-turn and stopped the vehicle. Three men jumped out of the truck and opened fire on the officers.”
One of the officers was shot and later died of his injuries. The second officer sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital in Middelburg for treatment.
“Three pistols with 25 cartridges and five mobile phones were found at the crime scene,” adds Sekgotodi.
(Photo provided by the Falcons)
Maj. Gen. Gerber, provincial head of the Falcons, condemned the attack. He appeals to anyone who may have seen the incident or has any further information to come forward with information.
“It is a very sad day when police officers are shot dead while performing their duties,” added Gerber.
Anyone with information can col. Contact Nkoana on 071 481 3503 or capt. Maboko at 071 481 3098.
