The last six weeks have seen an increase in attacks on law enforcement officers, with five officers shot in the Western Cape.
The most recent incident occurred at the intersection of Abonwabisi and Koornhof streets in Gugulethu’s New Crossroads when two police officers were attacked while driving in a silver-grey VW Polo.
The City has offered a reward of R250 000 for any information that could lead to the conviction of those responsible for these attacks.
As per the Cape Argus, police spokesperson Wesley Twigg revealed that the circumstances surrounding the most recent shooting incident are currently under investigation. Upon arriving at the scene, Gugulethu police reportedly discovered the wounded officers with gunshot injuries. Both victims were transported to medical facilities for treatment.
Reports suggest that the officers were driving along the street when they were suddenly targeted, leading to the registration of two counts of attempted murder for further investigation.
Reagen Allen, the MEC for police oversight and community safety, expressed concern and condemnation for the recent spate of attacks on law enforcement officers, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
‘This latest incident shows what little regard criminals have for life. I regard an attack on any law enforcement officer as an attack on the state,’ he said.
Alderman Allen expressed relief that the officers in this latest incident did not lose their lives and extended his wishes for their speedy recovery. He also referenced the crime statistics for the first quarter of the year, which showed that two SAPS officers had lost their lives.
While the statistics indicated a decrease compared to the previous year, Allen stressed that even one loss was one too many. He encouraged anyone with information to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to ensure the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators.
The string of attacks began when off-duty officer Toufeeq Williams was fatally shot while holding his daughter in Beacon Valley on 30 July.
Another LEAP officer, Zamikhaya Kwinana, was killed while on duty in Nyanga when he was shot in an official vehicle during a taxi strike, and no arrests have been made in connection with his murder.
Last Saturday around 1am in Hillview, an off-duty officer sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
Criminologist Guy Lamb weighed in on the situation, pointing out that Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers seemed to bear the brunt of the violence. Lamb attributed this to the relatively high availability of illegal firearms in the Western Cape, which exposes officers to greater danger.
He urged all policing bodies, including the SAPS, to prioritise the collection of illegal firearms as part of their efforts to ensure officer safety.
The Western Cape Provincial Community Police Board (WCPCPB) expressed dismay at the recent wave of attacks on law enforcement officers.
‘These officers serve as the guardians of our community. As the WCPCPB, we firmly emphasise that any form of crime against members of the public is utterly unacceptable, and the senseless act of trying to take another person’s life should never occur in this day and age.
While we cannot definitively ascertain the motives behind these attacks, we are aware of previous threats against uniformed personnel. It is possible that these incidents are opportunistic in nature, but it is more likely that the primary objective is to obtain firearms.’
The WCPCPB called upon all community members to report suspicious behaviour and criminal activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Anyone with information regarding the Tuesday shooting incident is asked to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
The SAPS urged its commanders to re-emphasise the importance of adherence to police safety measures during on- and off-duty parades.
‘One cannot overemphasise the need to be operationally ready and alert at all times. Develop a mindset of heightened situational awareness and mental attitude on and off duty.’
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LEAP officer fatally shot in drive-by shooting during Cape Town taxi strike