Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), has announced that extensive efforts are underway to apprehend a group of criminals who attacked two crime intelligence officers earlier today in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Dimpane reported that the incident took place in the Mount Edgecombe vicinity of Durban.
“Tragically, the member driving the state vehicle succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene. Another member, who was also shot and wounded during the attack, has been airlifted to a hospital and is currently receiving urgent medical care,” she said.
“A manhunt has been launched for the suspects responsible for this heinous act. SAPS specialised units—including crime intelligence operatives, detectives, the organised crime unit, and highly trained tactical officers—are working around the clock to track down and apprehend those involved.”
Dimpane strongly condemned the attack, calling it an assault on both the authority of the state and those who put their lives on the line in the battle against crime.
“No stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the Acting National Commissioner stated.
The SAPS has also mobilized its Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) specialists, including psychologists and chaplains, to provide psychosocial support to the family of the deceased officer and the Crime Intelligence unit.
“The SAPS extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer, and wishes the injured member a full and speedy recovery,” Dimpane concluded.
