The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Bheki Cele, has praised cops from KwaZulu-Natal for their bravery and has strongly condemned the killing of yet another police officer, this time in KwaZulu-Natal.
At approximately 01h30am this morning, members from the National Intervention Unit and members of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS), went to a house in Welbedacht outside Chatsworh, in response to information on the killing of the ANC eThekwini Regional Secretary, Mr Sibusiso Sibiya on 11 July 2011 in Inanda, north of Durban.
Our members came under heavy gunfire resulting in a shootout, which left one police officer dead, two police officers wounded and two suspects dead. Police also recovered two unlicensed handguns.
One of our members is in hospital in a critical condition with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and the second officer has been treated and discharged.
While General Bheki Cele has praised the members for their bravery, he has strongly condemned the shooting of our policemen. “Our officers did what they had to do to by killing those criminals or else more of our officers would have been become casualties,” said General Cele.
The National Commissioner will be in KwaZulu-Natal around midday today visiting the members and the scene. “I will be visiting the family of the slain police officer to personally to comfort them and convey my condolences as this is the least I can do at this point,” added Cele.
Enquiries:
Colonel Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
General Cele lauds brave cops in KwaZulu-Natal
