Police officer killed on duty in Umkhanyakude
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Management of the police led by the Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa were shocked to hear that one of our police officers was shot and killed in the Umkhanyakude area yesterday. This follows the recent death of Constable Ntombifikile Virginia Ndlovu who was shot and killed while attending to a business robbery at Ixopo last week.
“We condemn these attacks directed at police officers who were in the forefront of our crime fighting initiatives. We want to remind those that are behind these attacks that we will not rest until they are behind bars. We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Lindokuhle Backum (24) who was shot and killed in the line of duty and died a hero. We will not be deterred by these thugs and remain committed to bringing criminals to book,” said Major General Langa.
Yesterday at 21:00, the member who was stationed in the Umkhanyakude area was on duty with his colleagues when they spotted a suspicious-looking vehicle in the Makhonyeni area, Jozini. Police attempted to pull over the vehicle and a chase ensued. It is alleged that the suspects opened fire on police and in the process Constable Backum was shot in the neck and was fatally wounded.
The suspects fled the scene and a manhunt is underway for the murderers. Police have been recently breaking the back of crime syndicates in the Umkhanyakude area and the death of Constable Backum comes as a blow to initiatives underway in the area.
Enquiries:
Lt Col Thulani Zwane
Cell: 071 683 6525
