The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has labeled the gunning down of yet another police official as repugnant and barbaric. Captain Mervin Reddy (39 years of age) of the Pinetown Crime Intelligence Unit, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), was confronted by at least one suspect as he reversed out of the driveway of his home at 06h20 this morning in Newlands West near Durban.
Three shots were fired at Captain Reddy and he was wounded. His cellular phone and police firearm were taken off him and the suspect fled in the black Opel Corsa motor vehicle that he was driving.
Captain Reddy was transported to the eThekwini Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
"Just last weekend I attended the funeral of a Gauteng policewoman who was gunned down in the prime of her life", said General Cele. "Fortunately her killers have already been arrested and hopefully will face the full wrath of the justice system once they have been tried. This weekend I am attending the funeral of two other personnel members who were killed in KwaZulu-Natal, a data typist and a Constable.
It is absolutely untenable that dedicated police officials, who's only goal is to serve and protect their communities, be shot and killed by thugs. The KZN detectives must work tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrator/s of this latest heinous attack be tracked down and hauled before court. So far this year at least 20 police members have been murdered and this must be regarded as not only an attack on the SAPS, but an attack on the people of South Africa who they undertake to safeguard", added General Cele.
Top management of the South African Police Service conveys their deepest sympathy to the family and colleagues of Captain Reddy.
Any person with information is requested to contact Crime Stop on the telephone number 08600 10111.
Enquiries:
Brigadier Sally de Beer
National Media Centre
Cell: 082 779 8658
Source: South African Police Service
General Bheki Cele furious at gunning down of KZN Captain
