MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Willies Mchunu, has reacted with shock at yet another killing of a South African Police Service member while on duty.
It is reported that yesterday, Tuesday, 23 March 2010, at about 22h30, three South African Police Service (SAPS) members from Umlazi station were on duty tracing wanted suspects at Umlazi N section.
The members parked their police van along the road and two members proceeded to a shack to arrest a suspect for common assault. Inspector Siphiwe Vilakazi (45) was left behind guarding the police vehicle when gunshots were heard.
When they rushed to check on him they found a gunshot wound and he was rushed to Isipingo hospital where he later died. The motive of the killing is still unknown and no arrests have been made as yet.
Mchunu sends his condolences to the family of the Vilakazi and assured them that no effort will be spared in tracking down these heartless criminals who disregard the sweat of police officers trying to keep our country safe. He vowed that those who are responsible once found they will not be treated with kid gloves.
“The police will continue with house raids if they suspect that wanted criminals are cushioned in their homes," said Mchunu.
Enquiries: Lungile Ndlovu
Cell 082 889 6629
Issued by: Department of Community Safety and Liaison, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
24 March 2010
Source: Department of Transport, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kzntransport.gov.za/)
