Gauteng police have launched a manhunt after a Sandton, Johannesburg, police officer was shot and killed while having his haircut in Bramley View on Saturday.
It is understood that the SAPS member was having his haircut at the barber shop on Friday, 26 August, when an unknown man reportedly approached the officer and fired several shots before he fled the scene.
Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the police spokesperson said police are investigating a case of murder. “Reports indicate an unknown man approached the officer from behind and started swearing at him before firing two shots at him. The officer was declared dead on the scene.”
Eyewitness News reports that no arrests have been made following the shooting. Netshiunda said police have been mobilised to hunt down the gunman who killed the officer who was getting his haircut.
“Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the nearest police or call the crime stop number 08600 10111. Alternatively, they can tip off the police anonymously on the MySAPS App.”
Meanwhile, it was reported that a 45-year-old police officer was found shot five times with his own firearm in bed. His alleged killer was arrested within 24 hours of his murder.
According to Brigadier Selby Mohlala, the officer, Mandlenkosi Happy Thwala, was found brutally murdered in his home in Gedlembane, Pienaar.
“Upon the police’s arrival, they found him motionless, laying in his bed with visible gunshot wounds on his body. He was shot five times allegedly with his service pistol, two times in the head and three times on his upper body,” said Mohlala.
Mohlala said a medical service was summoned to the scene, but the officer was unfortunately certified dead on the scene. The officer was stationed at Kabokweni SAPS.
Source: Eyewitness News, Times Live, The South African, image from Times Live: Gareth Wilson