The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, has commended the swift response of the Eastern Cape’s Anti-Gang unit for apprehending a man who shot and killed a 42-year-old Sergeant, who was serving as a court orderly at the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court in Gqeberha this morning, 3 May.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS national spokesperson, said according to the police’s preliminary investigation, the arrested suspect entered the Motherwell Court building at about 09:20, disarmed the member, shot and killed him with the state firearm and thereafter fled on foot. The deceased has since been identified as Sergeant Mario Nel.
“Members of the Anti-Gang unit who were patrolling the area immediately responded and were alerted by a taxi driver that the suspect who was in possession of a firearm was in the taxi. The suspect immediately opened fire at the police and members returned fire. The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to hospital under police guard,” Mathe said.
Police also recovered Nel’s state firearm. “Several commuters who were in the taxi at the time were not injured during the crossfire.”
At the time of his death, Nel had 16 years’ service.
In a separate incident, Masemola has ordered the mobilisation of resources into apprehending those responsible for the death of the 41-year-old Sergeant Lwando Lawrence Bunga, attached to the Public Order Police (POP) unit in East London.
“A manhunt continues for a group of suspects who shot and killed Sergeant (Bunga) who was at the time of his death, responding to an armed robbery at the Fidelity premises on Monday in the area. At the time of the member’s death, he had been serving for 14 years,” Mathe said.
Masemola has on behalf of SAPS management condemned both incidents and says police continue to mobilise resources in the fight against serious and violent crime.
“We cannot have a situation where members are killed in a court of law and while responding to the call of duty. Our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen heroes. The SAPS continues to prioritise acquiring of additional resources and equipment to heighten police response to fight serious and violent crime,” said Masemola.
