Mpumalanga police concerned about spate of officers’ killings

Police in Mpumalanga have expressed concern about the recent killings of officers in the province. This follows the killing of two police officers in separate incidents in the space of two weeks.

The first incident was that of the fatal shooting of Constable Khulani Shabangu during a robbery at a barbershop in Lillydale, Bushbuckridge, two weeks ago.

There was also the fatal shooting of 34-year-old Constable Donald Mathebula in Pienaar last Friday.

A 25-year-old man arrested in connection with Shabangu’s murder has been remanded in custody by the Calcutta Magistrate’s Court in Mkhuhlu.

Provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli has urged members of the public to assist in protecting police.

“What we urge members of the public is to come forward if they have any information that may assist the team, because we know that we will definitely make a breakthrough if we gather together. People must understand that when a police member is killed, we have a shortage of police personnel and they are meant to ensure their safety.

They must be concerned if someone tampers with their safety by killing one of our own, no one should be allowed to do that. As a country, we should work together to eradicate the killing of police.”