A MPUMALANGA cop was shot and killed on Monday, 3 April while following up on a tip-off on the theft of diesel at a mine near the N4 highway.
The second cop from the Middleburg detective services, who was also at the scene, sustained serious injuries.
Mpumalanaga Hawks spokeswoman Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi said in the early hours of Monday, 3 April cops from the crime intelligence in Middleburg received a tip-off from an informer regarding the theft of diesel at a mine.
“The member contacted his colleague and they drove together in a white Toyota Hilux double cab using the Stoffburg road as directed by the source.
“Along the road, they came across a yellow diesel bowser matching the description, made a U-turn, and stopped it,” Sekgotodi said.
According to Sekgotodi, three men got off the truck and started shooting at the officers.
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“In the process, one member was shot and later succumbed to his injuries while the other sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital in Middleburg for treatment. Three pistols with 25 rounds of ammunition and five cellphones were recovered at the crime scene," said Sekgotodi.
The provincial head of the Hawks, Major-General Nicolas Gerber, condemned the senseless attack of the cops.
He appealed to the public who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information to come forward.
“All information received will be dealt with in strict confidence. It is a sad day when police officers are shot and killed for executing their duties,” Gerber said.
