Police in the Eastern Cape has expressed devastation and ire following the fatal killing of one of its members in the Bityi policing precinct yesterday, July 2.
The incident occurred at about 17:15 at Enyibeni Village in Bityi.
According to the police report, Crime Prevention members were attending a complaint when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle which they decided to stop and search.
As they began their search, two of the suspects immediately jumped off and ran away from the vehicle whilst the other two suspects were restrained by police officers. During the search, the officers heard gunshots coming from the direction where Constable Dudumayo was chasing the suspects.
“On responding to the shooting incident, SAPS members discovered that Constable Asive Xolela Dudumayo (31) had been wounded and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical care.
“Sadly, the member was said to have succumbed to his injuries on arrival at the hospital. Meanwhile, the deceased suspect was also found lying down not very far from the place where the constable had fallen. Two pistol firearms, ammunition and a red Toyota Corolla were confiscated by the police,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has strongly condemned the brutal attack on the SAPS member and described it as an act of criminality which must be paid with a heavy price.
“Attacks on our members will not in any way deter us from pursuing our constitutional mandate to serve and protect our communities. The arrested suspects must therefore account for their actions and further lead us to the outstanding suspect’s whereabouts,” said Mene.
The motive for the shooting incident is currently under investigation.
However, SAPS detectives have registered a murder case, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition and Inquest. One of the four suspects, aged between 26 and 38, is still at large, while two men have been arrested.
They are expected to appear in Bityi Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, July 4, once they are charged.
Mene has on behalf of the South African Police Service management, conveyed deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of Dudumayo.
Dudumayo has been described as one of the most disciplined and loyal members of the SAPS, who was prepared to lay down his life for the safety and security of his communities. He was patriot and an altruist, who remained true to his calling as a police officer.
