Popcru calls for intervention after cop shot dead
POLICE and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has called for intervention to confront the killing of police officers after an off-duty member was ambushed and shot dead in Philippi East at the weekend.
Mzingisi Gule from Ilitha Park, Khayelitsha, was shot three times in the head while driving in Thekweni Street, Lower Crossroads, just before 1pm on Saturday.
The motive is suspected to be carjacking and robbery.
A resident who spoke to the Cape Times yesterday said a Toyota Avanza was seen blocking Gule just after a stop sign and men allegedly emerged from the car, firing shots.
“He was left lying on the ground, where he died, and his car was stolen.
“Residents came in numbers to try to identify (the officer) but we all didn’t know who he was. Another woman took a blanket from her house and covered the body,” the resident said.
Gule was identified on Sunday as a police officer stationed at Harare and his gold VW Polo Vivo was later recovered in Browns Farm, Nyanga.
A 72-hour activation plan has since been activated in search of the killers.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said a murder case had been opened for investigation.
Hawks spokesperson Zinzi Hani confirmed that the directorate was investigating.
Last week, a 30-year-old man accused of shooting and killing Malose Libelo, an officer stationed at Steenberg police station, appeared at the Simon’s Town Magistrate Court.
Libelo’s body was found in the street on April 13 in front of a shop in Capricorn. He had been shot in the head.
A suspect was arrested following a tip-off and Libelo’s official firearm was found with the suspect.
Popcru spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said: “We are saddened by these endless killings of officers, and have taken issue with the fact that it’s been long overdue that all stakeholders need to meet and come up with a programme to confront this scourge.”