A manhunt has been launched for suspects involved in a shooting that left a KwaZulu-Natal Crime Intelligence officer dead and another severely injured.
Image: Leon Lestrade / Independent Newspapers
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has ordered the mobilisation of "maximum resources" following a brazen attack that left one Crime Intelligence officer dead and another fighting for his life.
The ambush occurred on Thursday afternoon in the Mount Edgecombe area, north of Durban. According to a police statement, the two officers were travelling in an unmarked state vehicle when they were intercepted by a group of armed suspects who opened fire on them.
The driver of the vehicle tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. His colleague, who also sustained gunshot wounds, was airlifted to a nearby hospital for emergency medical intervention.
"No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice," said Lieutenant General Dimpane. The Acting Commissioner condemned the shooting in the strongest possible terms, characterizing the incident as a direct assault on the authority of the state.
In response to the deadly shooting, SAPS has activated an intensive manhunt involving several specialised divisions, including:
These units are working "around the clock" to track the suspects, who fled the scene shortly after the attack.
The identities of the officers have not yet been released. However, SAPS confirmed that Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) experts, including chaplains and psychologists, have been deployed to support the family of the deceased officer and the Crime Intelligence unit.
"The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer, and wishes the injured member a full and speedy recovery," the service said.
Police have urged anyone with information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the SAPS Crime Stop hotline or utilise the MySAPS app.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY