By Anita Dangazele
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said that the alleged extortionists killed in a shootout with police in Mthatha on Wednesday got what they were looking for.
Speaking at a media briefing in Mthatha on Sunday, Masemola said, “These criminals were very brazen to walk into that base [the National Intervention Unit in Embassy Building, Mthatha]. So we don’t regret [what happened]. They got what they wanted. If you go into a police station or an NIU base and you attack a member, there’s nothing else that you’re looking for except for what they got, and we will not hesitate to do it tomorrow if such an attack happens again.”
This comes after an incident where three alleged extortionists, including self-proclaimed Mthatha West chief Sakhumzi Dalinzolo Mareke, were shot and killed by police on Wednesday. The group reportedly followed officers returning to the NIU base after a raid.
“As members arrived at the premises, the two suspicious vehicles [Mareke and his accomplices were traveling in] stopped behind them, and the three men armed with firearms alighted and immediately opened fire. Police retaliated, fatally wounding the three men,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa.
One officer was injured, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg.
Two days after the incident, another officer was shot at while heading to work in Mandela Park, Mthatha West. According to Masemola, Mareke and his group had also targeted this officer at the NIU base on Wednesday.
“Due to his alertness and his skills and experience, the member was shot at, and he fortunately responded and managed to shoot the assailant. This criminal was later found hiding with an injury,” Masemola said, adding that the suspect is currently under police guard in the hospital.
Masemola emphasized that attacks on police officers will not be tolerated, especially since September is Police Safety Month.
Pictured above: National Police General Fannie Masemola addressing members of the media in PRD Building in Mthatha on Sunday.
Source: Supplied.
