Both Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Nonhlanhla Faith Mazibuko, and MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi have condemned in the strongest possible terms the gunning down of Inspector Ravelino “Relly” Solomons (30), an officer attached to the Gauteng Traffic Police at a robot in Hillbrow.
Solomons was killed in cold-blood early on Friday and found a hundred meters away from the Hillbrow Police Station, allegedly by a taxi driver (32) who early on had his taxi license confiscated by the Gauteng Traffic Police.
After shooting Solomons, who was in a marked police vehicle occupied by three other police officers, the driver fled into nearby flats, where he was arrested by the police. On Monday he will be appearing in the Magistrates Court on charges of murder and attempted murder.
MECs Mazibuko and Vadi had the unenviable task of breaking the news of the untimely death of Solomons to the family in Eldorado Park. Speaking at the home of the deceased, both said that the “merciless and brutal murder of Inspector Solomons must be condemned by all South Africans” They said they were shocked by the cruel attack and believed that nothing could have justified this “evil and criminal act”. They expressed their sincerest condolences to the family stating that “their loved one died honourably and in the line of duty”.
Both commended the police for their swift response in arresting the suspect shortly after the incident and called upon the law enforcement agencies to take proactive steps to bring an end to taxi violence.
This is the third killing of a traffic officer in three years from Community Safety. “Our traffic officers will not be derailed from executing their duties as we cannot allow anarchy to prevail in the taxi industry” they said. The killing of one law enforcement officer is one too many and seen as an attack on the state.
Mazibuko and Vadi condemn gunning down of Gauteng Traffic Police Officer
Province
