Pretoria - There is still no arrest in the murder of the Johannesburg Central Cluster Commander, Major General Tirhani Maswanganyi, whose body was found in the early hours of Tuesday.
Maswangwanyi was found with his hands tied behind his back in a field near Hammanskraal, North of Pretoria. Police say there were no gunshot wounds found on his body.
There has been outrage and condemnation on the murder. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Mzwandile Petros has appointed a senior detective to investigate the killing. Condolences have also been pouring in for the slain policeman.
Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said he was saddened by the tragic loss of a senior cop who dedicated his life to serve the vulnerable and the weak in society.
“Today, following this loss, the South African Police Service is poorer, the Gauteng provincial team is poorer, the people of Johannesburg are poorer, the people of Gauteng and of the entire South Africa are poorer. We have all been robbed of a true patriot, a dedicated officer who has contributed in the reconstruction and development of our country,” Mthethwa said.
The minister further stated that by taking a tough stance against crime and all its evils, this can be the best memory South Africans can afford General Maswanganyi and many other police officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.
“We have emphasized the point before that policing remains a very difficult and challenging duty. Almost on a daily basis our members face dangerous and vicious criminals, who will not hesitate to kill them or even injure and kill innocent law-abiding citizens. One police life lost is one too many. We are saying enough.”
The police are appealing to members of the community who have witnessed or have any information to contact our Crime Stop, 08600 10 111 and Crime Line SMS, 32211.
Gauteng police are expected to shed more light on the murder when they brief the media later this morning. - SAnews.gov.za
