File
Eastern Cape police are appealing to members to be vigilant after an officer was killed and another wounded in separate incidents in Tsolo and Gqeberha.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene has called on police officers to be vigilant both on and off duty to “curb the attacks and killing directed at them.”
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said a Gqeberha police officer and a suspect were wounded during incident in Zwide on Friday night.
A Sergeant sustained three gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital along with the wounded suspect.
The suspect aged 30 years old is arrested on charges of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited firearm.
He is expected to appear in court soon.
Meanwhile, Naidu said SAPS are searching for the friend of 50-year-old Sergeant who was shot and killed while off on Saturday night in Tsolo.
“It is alleged that at about 21:40, the police official and his friend were drinking at the local tavern. When they left, security guards heard gunshots and on investigating, found the policeman dead inside his vehicle,” she said.
Naidu said the policeman sustained multiple gunshot wounds while the friend had disappeared with the police officer’s service pistol.
The officer was identified as Sergeant Obey Sotewu from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Mthatha.
Naidu said the motive is unknown as yet and police are searching for the suspect, adding that an arrest was imminent.
