THE South African Police Union (Sapu)in Mpumalanga has issued a strong warning to people who target cops.
The warning comes after Captain Sibusiso Mthombothi (44) was gunned down in KaNyamazane, outside Mbombela, on Saturday, 13 January.
It's alleged that the deceased took his car to a carwash and while he was waiting for it to be washed, it was bumped by someone who was also at the car wash.
The matter was discussed between the two with the assistance of a police officer who was with the deceased.
They agreed on a payment of R5 000 to repair the damage. It's further alleged that the police officer who was with the deceased, drove the suspect's car to the deceased's parents' home, until payment was made as agreed.
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After parking the car, they drove back to the car wash. The police sergeant then left them there. It is alleged that an argument ensued between the suspect and the deceased.
When the sergeant returned, he found the police captain shot dead. He later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect then fled the scene on foot. The police have since launched a manhunt.
Sapu chairman Muzi Nzimande said the union has been advocating for the killing of police officers to be declared treason since 2013.
"The attack on the police is an attack on the state. All those who are held responsible for the killing of police officers must be charged with high treason. As Sapu, we call upon the government and other organs of the state to co-operate with us to fight the scourge of police killings," he said.
In September 2023, an off-duty police officer was murdered in KaNyamazane when he was in a particular business house. No one has been arrested yet for this murder.
