The Lower Crossroads community is reeling following the ambush of a local officer.
Detective Sgt Nkosinathi Wellem (44), who was stationed at Philippi East Police Station, was shot dead in front of his house in Delft on Sunday 26 May.
Provincial police spokesperson Col Andre Traut confirmed the murder. He added that detectives attached to Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) are investigating the matter. According to Traut, Wellem was killed around 21:45 outside his residence in Thubelitsha.
“The member, who was stationed at the Philippi East Police Station, was off duty at the time of the incident,” he said.
A Philippi East community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment, said the neighbourhood is devastated by the news. He appealed to the law to take its course.
The leader described the attack on a law enforcement officer as an attack to the state. He believes the incident was well orchestrated. “The police are targets to the criminals who are targeting their firearms. Maybe they wanted to rob him of his firearm,” he said, suggesting that the officers need to stay in the barracks again as they used to during apartheid regime.
The leader appealed to the community to protect law enforcement officers in their communities. He also appealed to whoever has information regarding the incident to come forward.
“You can’t tell me that these criminals are not known in the area. These criminals are our children or brothers. I believe there was someone who saw it when the incident happened,” he explained.
