Pretoria - Authorities have condemned the recent armed attacks on police stations in the Free State and Cape Town, which resulted in the death of two constables and the wounding of a sergeant.
In the Free State, the bodies of two on-duty constables were found in the community service centre of the Koffiefontein Police Station. Both had been shot and were found when their colleagues returned from patrol duties on Wednesday.
On the same day in Cape Town, suspects entered the Lingelethu West Police Station in Khayelitsha and shot a sergeant on duty. The suspects fled when other police officers returned fire.
Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba, said these attacks are unacceptable and should be condemned by all sectors of society.
“A police station is a place where community members go to seek help or to report a crime. These premises are safe havens for victims and the communities we serve. It is shocking that criminal elements enter with firearms and injure and kill police officials in this manner,” Mothiba said.
Police have called on communities to come forward with any information that may assist in these and other cases.
Information can be given at any police station or by calling the Crime Stop number, 08600 10111, or sending a text message to Crime Line on 32211, anonymously, if needs be.
“We offer our most heartfelt condolences to the families of the two constables who were killed and wish our wounded colleague a speedy recovery. We can assure them that the South African Police Service will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to book,” said Mothiba. - SAnews.gov.za
