The police in Mpumalanga have launched an intensive manhunt for suspects who shot and killed a law enforcement officer and wounded another. The incident occurred in the early hours of today, Saturday, 25 July 2020 at Emalahleni.
So far information suggests that a group of about six suspects went to a filling station along the road to Lynville near Emalahleni, where they stormed in and robbed employees of their belongings.
They allegedly placed explosives on the counter and threatened to detonate them should the employees try to alert police.
The suspects’ plan was however interrupted by Municipal Law Enforcement Officers patrolling in the vicinity, who went to the filling station unbeknownst there was a robbery in progress.
This resulted in a crossfire between these members and the suspects which led to Warrant Officer Samuel Nkosi being fatally wounded.
READ ALSO: GAUTENG POLICE ARREST THEIR MPUMALANGA COUNTERPARTS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF DAGGA
Meanwhile, his 53-year-old colleague sustained gunshot injuries to his right hand.
Police and medical services were called to the scene whereupon Nkosi was certified dead whilst the surviving member was taken to hospital.
In the meantime, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma has called on the community to assist police with the investigation into this heinous crime.
He has also sent his deepest condolences to the Nkosi family and further wishes a speedy recovery to the injured colleague.
“We consider what has happened as an attack to the law enforcement agencies at large and the perpetrators cannot go unabated, they must be found,” said General Zuma.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects is urged to call Colonel One Thobejane on 0823722195 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 1011.
Alternatively, they can give a tip-off on the MySAPSApp that can be downloaded to any smartphone.
All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
