South African Police Union (SAPU) is calling for amendments to the law in order to make the killing of police officers as acts of treason, said the union’s regional chairperson Michael Baloyi. This follows the brutal murders of two police officers in the line of duty this week. Mabopane Rapid Rail Policing Unit (RRPU) officer, Sergeant Tumelo Losaba was gunned down in an alleged botched robbery at his home on Sunday. While Sedibeng District’s Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) officer, Sergeant Vuyani Ngcobo was also shot and killed when he was following up on information of drug peddling in the De Deur in Johannesburg.
Speaking on the sideline of Losaba’s memorial service in Mabopane on Thursday Baloyi said Losaba didn’t disrupt the intruders but unfortunately he lost his life. “We are glad that the Rapid Rail made sure that those people were arrested. But remember we are still struggling in the justice cluster. But We are advocating for these people to be treasoned. The killing of police officers should be treason,” said Baloyi.
Police said six people have been arrested in connection with the two incidents and are expected to appear in court soon. The National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola welcomed the arrests. “Well done to the teams involved led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Elias Mawela. This should serve as a deterrent and stern warning to those who continue to undermine the authority of the state by attacking and killing police officers on and off duty.
“We are intensifying operations and heightening police visibility throughout the country to ensure we squeeze the space for these criminals”, said Masemola.
