Police in Gauteng have launched an urgent manhunt following the tragic shooting of a 50-year-old sergeant from the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit in Mabopane. The officer was killed on Monday afternoon in a drive-by shooting as he was traveling in his red Volkswagen Polo.
Violent Attack on a Highway Patrol Officer
According to Gauteng provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the officer was driving when he came under fire from suspects in a sedan. The assailants fired at the sergeant’s car, causing him to lose control of the vehicle. The red Polo collided with a Toyota Venture and came to a sudden stop.
Emergency services responded promptly, but the officer was sadly declared dead at the scene.
Appeal for Information
The police have called for public assistance in tracking down the suspects involved in the deadly shooting. “We appeal to anyone with information that could assist in the apprehension of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information can also be provided anonymously through the My SAPS App,” Masondo urged.
The Ongoing Threat to Law Enforcement
This incident follows a disturbing trend of attacks on police officers in Gauteng. In November, two Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department officers were shot, one of whom tragically died. The officers were victims of an apparent hijacking attack in Vosloorus, which highlights the growing dangers law enforcement faces even during off-duty hours.
As the investigation into the Mabopane officer’s death unfolds, Gauteng authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure justice is served. This senseless killing underscores the risks that police officers face every day and the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.
