Beaufort West police have arrested two suspects in connection with the death of an off-duty police officer just after midnight on Sunday.
The incident reportedly happened on Sunday, 24 August at about 00:20 in Kwa-Mandlenkosi, Beaufort West.
TWO ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICER
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Western Cape Sergeant Christopher Spies said police members responded to an incident at a place of entertainment at Gaba Road, Kwa-Mandlenkosi in Beaufort West where upon arrival they found the body of the deceased officer with a stab wound to his back.
The victim, identified as a 23-year-old police Constable stationed at the Beaufort West police station, was declared deceased by paramedics on scene.
Spies said various police resources including K9 and Crime Intelligence were deployed which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects aged 15 and 20 remain in police custody and will appear in court once charged,” he explained.
Spies said circumstances surrounding the death of the police official are under investigation and the murder case docket was handed to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for further investigation.
“Meanwhile, Western Cape police management assigned professional employee health and wellness practitioners to provide the necessary care and support to the family of the deceased.”
OVER 25 COPS KILLED ON THE LINE OF DUTY
Earlier this month, the National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola revealed that in the last financial year, 27 men and women in blue died in the line of duty, and six police officers have lost their lives to criminal attacks and ambushes, from 1 April 2025 to 10 August.
Masemola said these are not just numbers; they were mothers and fathers who have left families behind to fend for themselves.
“Most of them were breadwinners in their households, but most importantly, they were members who dedicated and laid down their lives in the line of duty by ensuring that all people living in South Africa are safe and protected from callous criminals.“
Masemola said they cannot remain silent, and it cannot be business as usual when criminals have declared war on the authority of the state.
“I am making this call again to all police officers in the country, do not die with the tools and resources that we have given you. The men and women in blue must act appropriately when circumstances allow them to act. Remember to always use force that is proportional to the threat,” he said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT THE MURDER OF POLICE OFFICERS IN SOUTH AFRICA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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