Police are mourning the loss of one of their own after a police officer was brutally attacked by criminals at Old Payne location in Mthatha last week.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the 48-year-old detective Sergeant Mphakameli Mazinywana, who was stationed at Mthatha Central, was at his house together with his wife when unknown suspects kicked the door and demanded a firearm from the officer on Friday, 18 June.
They shot him in the upper body, took his service firearm and escaped. Mazinywana succumbed to his injuries.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, has expressed shock at the incident. She immediately sent condolences to the family of the deceased member who she described as one of the loyal and dedicated foot soldiers of the South African Police Service in crime investigations.
“The SAPS has lost a hero, a father and servant of the community. We are devastated as the SAPS family, but we shall find the culprits,” said Ntshinga.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects, who are still at large, is requested to contact Mthatha Central Police or call the crime stop number 08600 10111.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) which is handling the investigation into the murder of Mazinywana says there have been no arrests at this stage and investigations are ongoing, according to the Hawks provincial spokesperson, Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.
