In just less than 30 days of being the National Police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega has had to deal with at least five police killings. The latest killing occurred last night in Willowvale when Constable Xolisa Somana was gunned down during a suspect search.
Constable Somana and his colleague had responded to a robbery incident with a complainant. When the suspect saw the complainant accompanied by the police, he ran into a nearby forest. In exercising caution the police dropped the complainant at his residence and returned to the forest. Upon seeing the police the suspect then drew out a firearm and fatally wounded Constable Somana. Constable Somana’s colleague was not injured and has since received debriefing from the SAPS’ Employee Health and Wellness component.
On Saturday, 7 July this year General Phiyega visited the family of Warrant Officer Mawethu Nelson Siganga who was killed while on duty last week at eNgqeleni in the Eastern Cape. “This has been a challenging period for me and the police establishment. The late Constable Somana carried out his duties diligently. He took the complainant home for his safety and had his bulletproof on. He unfortunately met his untimely death in a villainous way,” lamented General Phiyega.
“A loss of a member impacts on our operational staff compliment and that ultimately has an effect on the day-to-day fight against crime,” added Phiyega.
The family members of Constable Somana are receiving the necessary support from the police during this trying period.
Enquiries:
Major General Nonkululeko Mbatha
Cell; 083 645 6252
General Phiyega mourns the loss of another cop in E.Cape
