By Kopano Dibakwane
The fatal shooting of an off duty officer, sergeant Nhlanhla Petros Sigage(41), has prompted a 72 hours activation plan, by Mpumalanga police, to bring the perpetrators to book.
It is reported that Sigage, attached to the visible policing at Pienaar police station, was shot by two male suspects at Kanyamazane (outside Nelspruit) on Friday evening.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, colonel Donald Mdhluli, said that the incident occurred while the deceased was in the company of other people at a certain business Premier’s in Ward 4 (Kanyamazane).
” Two men are said to have arrived, fluently speaking in Zulu and they bought some bottled water. However, out of the blue, the two men reportedly drew firearms then blatantly shot at sergeant Sigage at a close range. Thereafter the two suspects fled the scene in a vehicle which is yet to be determined. The lifeless body of the SAPS member was found with multiple gunshot wounds and he was unfortunately certified dead on the scene,” said Mdhluli.
It is also reported that one of the people who were in the company of the deceased was taken to a medical facility after sustaining gunshot injuries.
” A case of murder with an additional charge of attempted murder was opened and investigation immediately began with a launch of manhunt for the suspects. The suspects are still at large. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. Circumstances surrounding the said incident will form part of the probe,” said Mdhluli.
Mpumalanga provincial police commisioner, lieutenant-general Semakaleng Manamela, has expressed concern about the continued killing of police officers in the province. She said that an investigation team which includes the Hawks/DPCI( directorate for priority crime investigation unit) has been established.
” The killing of members should immediately stop because it hampers our efforts to reduce and eventually end crime. An attack to a police officer is an attack on the state. Those responsible will be hunted down and brought to book,”said Manamela.
