By Kopano Dibakwane
The fatal shooting of police sergeant Mandla Alex Nhleko(45) at Balfour on Saturday evening of 17 February, was heavily criticised by Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said according to information received, the police were alerted about a shooting incident that occured next to a certain school. It was also revealed that Nhleko was shot a few metres away from his place of residence.
“ Upon arrival, they(police)met with the victim’s family, who indicated to them that the victim was taken to a nearby clinic for medical treatment. However, upon arrival at the clinic, they discovered that the member was shot and unfortunately succumbed. The victim sustained some gunshot wounds on his upper body,” said Mdhluli.s
Mdluli further said that a case of murder was opened and no one has been arrested so far. Mdhluli also said that circumstances surrounding the shooting incident as well as the motive behind, will form part of an investigation conducted by the HAWKS.
Lt-General Manamela has sent her condolences to Nhleko’s family and promised that that police will work timeously to ensure that those responsible for the gruesome act are soon brought to book.
Nhleko was reportedly stationed at Grootvlei Police Station at the time of his passing and he joined the South African Police Service in June 2006.
