13 July 2007
Yet another callous and brutal attack on police officers has claimed the
life of one policeman and another was seriously wounded at Duffs Road Railway
Station outside Durban.
Last night at approximately 17h00 three members of the Railway Police were
preparing to embark on a joint crime prevention operation on a train from Duffs
Road Railway Station to Stanger. While at the Duffs Road station they were
attacked by a group of around five armed men. During an ensuing struggle a 32
year old Constable Sabelo Emmanuel Buthelezi was fatally shot in the head and
30 year old student constable Mondli Cyril Jali was shot and critically wounded
in his neck and abdomen. A third member, who is a constable escaped unscathed.
Jali is still in a critical condition at a local hospital. It was discovered
later that constable Buthelezi's firearm was taken by the attackers.
The Head of Railway Police, Commissioner Andre Venter who is currently
visiting the scene has strongly condemned the attack on the policemen. "This
has been the first attack on our police officers while on duty since the
inception of Railway Police. It is unacceptable that these members who
sacrifice so much to ensure safe travelling of commuters are cold-bloodedly
gunned down," said Commissioner Venter.
The Durban Organised Crime Unit has been tasked with the investigation and
they have worked all through the night following up on leads. We would like to
appeal to anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to
please come forward. All information can be communicated via our Crime Stop
number 086 001 011; all information will be treated in strictest
confidence.
Enquiries:
Senior Superintendent
Vishnu Naidoo
Cell: 082 567 4153
Issued by: South African Police Service
13 July 2007
