Mpumalanga Police launch manhunt after on-duty cop gunned down
Const Donald Mathebula, 34, was found inside his private vehicle in uniform when police arrived at the scene. He was rushed to the hospital, and he was declared dead on arrival.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane said preliminary investigations suggested the deceased stopped at a tuckshop when three suspects armed with firearms and wearing balaclavas approached and shot him.
'The member drove his vehicle in an attempt to flee. He was shot, the vehicle lost control, hit a tree, and the car came to a standstill, and nothing was taken.
'The vehicle had bullet holes on the rear side and the right side of the window. The three suspects fled the scene,' said Ndubane.
She said the deceased was identified as Constable Donald Mathebula, who was stationed at Pienaar police station, serving under the visible policing unit.
He had served the South African Police Service for ten years.
'It is believed Mathebula was ambushed and fatally shot by the suspects while visiting the area. The motive of the attack is not known yet, and police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing' .
Acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi, has mobilised a 72-hour activation plan to ensure that all necessary resources are deployed to trace and arrest the perpetrators
Police have asked anyone with information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects to contact the nearest police station.
Tip-offs can also be reported anonymously via crime stop number on 08600 10111 or through the MYSAPS App.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security, and liaison, Jackie Macie, called members of the public who have any clues on the suspects' whereabouts to come forward and report to the police.
Macie said police should spare no effort in ensuring that the suspects are swiftly brought to book.
'In honouring the memory of the deceased and many other members who have lost their lives to criminals, the police must urgently arrest the suspects. Members must remain relentless in their efforts to serve and protect communities.
'They should not be deterred by attacks on their colleagues. Those who attack law enforcement officers, whether on or off duty, are attacking the state and therefore such individuals must be harshly punished,' said Macie.
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