Pretoria - Tshwane Metro Police Chief, Steven Ngobeni, has condemned the killing of Sergeant Reuben Oupa Dibakwane, describing it as a barbaric and cowardly act.
Dibakwane died on Wednesday morning after being shot while on routine patrol on Tuesday night.
Two suspects have since been arrested for their alleged involvement in the shooting while two others are still at large.
Ngobeni said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) was still reeling with shock and anger after the senseless killing.
Dibakwane's death comes at the time when the country has seen an increase in the number of police officers being killed by criminals, he added.
"It is disturbing that we have to lose police officers like this. These are men and women who have put their lives on the line to protect and defend peace-loving and law-abiding citizens. Surely, as a country we must honour and applaud them for working tirelessly, day and night, to protect both our lives and our property," Ngobeni said.
He expressed his condolences to Dibakwane's family, especially his wife and three kids.
"May they be strong and know that their husband and dad was a brave and selfless soldier who died with his boots on. To our officers we say that they must remain strong and dedicate their life of fighting crime to Sergeant Dibakwane and other fallen officers. Their lives were never in vain," he added.
Ngobeni also commended Dibakwane's colleagues who reacted swiftly to arrest the two suspects.
"This should send a clear message and serve as a warning that we will not let the life of an officer be taken away without that being met by decisive action on our side," he said.
TMPD would continue to work with the SAPS to hunt for the other two suspects and ensure that they arrested, Ngobeni added. - SAnews.gov.za
