TWO COPS KILLED IN MIDRAND BURGLARY
Two policemen were killed when they disturbed a burglary in progress at an auto-fitment centre in Midrand, Gauteng police said on Sunday.
Superintendent Thembi Nkwashu said constables M M Manoko and M J Mbelekwana, both stationed in Midrand, responded to a complaint about a burglary at the Authorised Fitment Centre on Saturday morning. When they arrived, they were met with gunfire.
"The suspects saw them coming... they were surprised by the shooter," she said.
One of the men died on the scene and the other died later at a Johannesburg hospital.
Nkwashu said two vehicles, one stolen, were found on the scene, as well as three firearms -- an R4 rifle and two 9mm pistols.
The Sunday Times reported that a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member was questioned in connection with the incident.
Nkwashu said she could not confirm this.
She said the R4 and one of the pistols were legally licensed weapons and still had identification numbers. R4 rifles are standard military issue.
"We know the suspects... we are in their footsteps. Arrests will be made soon."
Several tracking devices had been loaded into the two vehicles but they were left behind when the burglars fled following the shooting.
The "cold-blooded killing" of the policemen was on Sunday condemned by Gauteng Safety and Security MEC Firoz Cachalia.
He paid tribute to the pair for their bravery and commitment and expressed condolences to their families and colleagues.
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18 Mars 2007 à 11:48 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
