The deceased police officer’s vehicle discovered after the fatal shooting
By Kopano Dibakwane
The fatal shooting of 45 year-old police officer, identified as Sergeant Serwadime Harry Mokadi, has saddened Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commisioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, who called for SAPS (South African Police Service) investigators to leave no stone unturned as they look for clues that can lead to the apprehension of those responsible for the brutal killing.
According to a report by Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, Mokadi was shot and killed on Tuesday 7 May 2024 in Delmas, while driving in his private vehicle.
It also reported that Mokadi was discovered by concerned citizens who noticed a crime scene which appeared to be a hijacking on the R42 off-ramp in the Delmas policing precinct and immediately alerted the police.
“ On their response, they(police) spotted a maroon sedan fitting the description of the vehicle involved in the alleged hijacking. When the suspects realised that police were on their tail, they began shooting at them and police retaliated,” said Mdhluli.
According to Mdhluli, the suspects’ vehicle collided with another vehicle belonging to a security company and four suspects ran in different directions after alighting from their getaway vehicle.
“ In the vehicle, police found a police-owned firearm which was reported stolen in Thabazimbi, cash and other items which will be used for investigation purposes,” said Mdhluli.
It is also reported, by Mdhluli, that a female victim who was a passenger in Mokadi’s car was shot during the said hijacking incident, but was rushed to hospital in a serious but stable condition. The injured victim is said to be a Mozambican national.
Lt-General Manamela reportedly sent words of condolences to Mokadi’s family and also wished a speedy recovery for the female victim who was wounded in the horrific incident.
“ Killing a police officer displays a sign of gross disrespect to the state,” said Manamela.
Mdhluli said the perpetrators are still at large and called anyone with information to contact the police.
