In a heartbreaking incident that highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers, a female police officer in the Western Cape has become the second off-duty cop to be killed over the past weekend. Tragically, there are also suspicions that she was raped.
The 29-year-old officer, who was attached to the Samora Machel Police Station, had been out with a friend visiting acquaintances in the Mfuleni area when the unthinkable happened. Her life was brutally taken away, leaving a void in the hearts of her loved ones and colleagues.
The discovery of her body at Malgas camp, Extension 4 in Mfuleni, in the early hours of Sunday morning sent shockwaves through the community. Mfuleni police were alerted and initiated an investigation. It was soon revealed that the deceased person was a dedicated member of the South African Police Service, serving her community with honour and dedication.
While the circumstances surrounding her death are still being investigated by the Western Cape Hawks, there are grave concerns that she may have also been a victim of sexual assault.
This devastating incident came just hours after the senseless mass shooting in Gugulethu, Cape Town, where five lives were lost, including Warrant Officer Lindela Mraqisa. Mraqisa, who had served as a close protector to Deputy Police Minister Cassel Mathale, was also off duty at the time of his untimely death.
The events of this tragic weekend have raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of our police officers. The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, and the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, are expected to visit the Western Cape to address these concerns and provide support to grieving families and communities.