POLICE in Mpumalanga are in mourning.
This after one of their own died following a shoot-out with suspected armed robbers in Kabokweni outside White River on Friday, 25 March.
Sergeant Enock Themba Nsimba was one of the cops who were following up on information, where about 15 suspects were said to have been gathering at a guest house in Gutshwa village.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said upon noticing cops, the suspects started fleeing while opening fire towards them.
“The sergeant was shot and taken to hospital, where he was sadly certified dead on arrival,” he said.
Mohlala added that the remaining officers continued chasing after the suspects, resulting in six of them being arrested.
“Eight firearms with ammunition were confiscated, including an AK-47, two other rifles and five pistols, as well as four cars. One suspect, who sustained injuries, is receiving medical attention. A manhunt for the remaining suspects has since been launched,” he said.
The six are expected to appear in the Kabokweni Magistrates Court on Monday, 28 March, on charges of murder as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
Preliminary investigation suggests that at the time of incident, suspects were orchestrating an armed robbery.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has conveyed her condolences to the family of the slain officer, and called for the law to deal harshly with the perpetrators.
“We cannot lose members like this and remain silent. We hope that justice will be served for the member who died with his boots on,” she said.
