The South African Police Service management in the
Eastern Cape has conveyed condolences to the family, relatives and friends of
the deceased Sergeant Vakele Mark Mjoli (43) who was fatally wounded on
Saturday, September 3 in Ngcobo.
Sergeant Mjoli was part of a crime prevention response
team consisting of four officers who were responding to an armed robbery that
was in progress in one of the retail stores in Ngcobo town.
“According to the information, as they arrived at the
shop, Sergeant Mjoli approached a man who was standing in front of the door and
clad in a security gear. Believing that the man was a security officer, he
enquired from him the whereabouts of the suspects.’
“The man pointed and directed him to the door and as
he was proceeding towards the door, the man who was later identified as one of
the suspects turned and started shooting at the police officer who died at the
scene,” said Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana.
According to Kinana, another police officer was seriously
injured during the robbery.
“As police officers advanced towards the inside of the
shop, they were also met with a hail of gunfire from other suspects who were
inside the shop. Consequently, another police officer Constable Mfundiso Ndede
(35) suffered serious injuries and was immediately rushed to nearby hospital
for medical care,” Kinana added.
Two suspects were fatally shot during exchange of
gunfire with police officers and two pistol firearms believed to belong to the
suspects were also found at the scene. A vehicle believed to have been a
getaway car was also found in the area.
Two of the five suspects are still at large while on
was arrested by the police.
“It is sad that on the eve of the National
Commemoration Day for our fallen heroes, we woke up to yet another tragic and
cold-blooded jilling of our member. We shall not sleep until the rest of those
involved in this heartless act of brutality are found and face the consequences
of their actions in the courts of law,” said Eastern Cape police commissioner
Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene in reaction to Sergeant Mjoli’s passing.
She further wished constable Ndede a speedy recovery
from the injuries sustained during the incident.
Police have opened cases of murder, attempted murder
and inquest and investigations are ongoing.
