IDUTYWA – The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga has sent sincere condolences to the family of the deceased police officer who died in hospital after he was shot by criminals on Monday morning 31 May 2021 in Idutywa.

In the early hours of the morning on Monday at about 02:17, SAPS members were busy patrolling on the N2 Idutywa national road when they received a call about a business robbery that was in progress. As members responded and drove towards the local filling station, they were met with a hailstorm of bullets from the suspects who shot at them.

It is alleged that they tried to drive past the garage, but shots continued to be fired towards their direction. One of the two members in the police vehicle was shot on the upper body and suffered serious injuries.

Subsequently, the member was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical assistance as he was described as being in a critical condition. Today, the 1st June 2021 in the morning, SAPS management received sad news of the passing on of the 38-year-old Sergeant Nyameko Mbelani who was stationed at Idutywa police station’s Community Service Centre.

Sergeant Nyameko Mbelani joined the South African Police Service in the year 2006. At the time of his departure he had worked 15 years in the service. He comes from Chafuthweni Location, in Centane and is married with children.

SAPS management has expressed shock at the untimely death of the member. “The news of his departure are shocking and disturbing. However, we must all find comfort from the fact that six (6) of the eight suspects have already been arrested. They will have to pay the highest price in the courts of law for the life of an innocent servant of the community” said Lieutenant General Ntshinga.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining two suspects who are still at large, is requested to make contact with Idutywa and Tsolo Police Stations or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service