THIS REPORT HAS BEEN UPDATED: An on-duty South African Police constable (29) was fatally shot in the head when the vehicle he and his partner were driving stalled while on patrol in Helenvale, yesterday afternoon, December 31.
He was robbed of his service firearm, and the suspects remain at large.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, stated that two police officers were conducting regular patrols around 17:35 in Gelvandale when their vehicle stalled on Kobus Road, Helenvale.
“While they were attempting to kick-start the vehicle, they were assisted by three community members. The driver then heard a shot being fired, and upon inspection, discovered that the constable had been shot in the head. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died,” said Lt. Col. Mawisa.
“The firearm of the deceased constable was also missing. An investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made.”
The name of the deceased constable has not yet been released.
The DPCI has taken over the case for further investigation.
“The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, strongly condemns the killing of a police constable by perpetrators while he was committed to ensuring safety for all. She is calling upon the public to provide information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Lt. Col. Mawisa said.
