SABC Achieves First Unqualified Audit in 14 Years
October 8, 2024Four Arrested for Bypassing Electricity Meter
October 8, 2024President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic killing of six community patrollers in Tina Falls/Godini, near Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, on Sunday night. The patrollers were preparing for duty at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when they were attacked by assailants armed with a variety of firearms. Four additional patrollers were injured during the attack.
President Ramaphosa offered his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. He strongly condemned the violence, calling it a profound loss for the community and a direct assault on the efforts of citizens to maintain safety in their area.
“Our thoughts are with the families of these community members who died in the course of playing their part to keep their area safe. Following so soon after an equally tragic shooting at Lusikisiki, this new incident saddens and outrages us,” the President said on Tuesday.
Last month, 18 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Ngobozana village, Lusikisiki, in the same province. At the time, President Ramaphosa assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In his statement, the President reiterated that justice would be served, warning that criminals, and anyone who sheltered or protected them, would face the full force of the law. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety in homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
“This tragedy should strengthen our resolve to stop criminals from terrorising communities under the mistaken belief that they’re untouchable. They will be brought to justice, alongside anyone who harbours these criminals and fails to report them to the authorities,” he said.
The President welcomed progress made by police in their investigation, which has reportedly provided a strong lead in the case.
Police Investigation Update
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, expressed confidence that police were closing in on suspects linked to the killing of the six community patrollers. Masemola, who visited the crime scene on Monday, stated that a team of specialised detectives from the SAPS district office in Mthatha was pursuing leads related to ongoing stock theft issues between the affected village and neighbouring areas.
Masemola assured the public that arrests were imminent, and significant progress had been made. In relation to last month’s Lusikisiki mass shooting, police confirmed that investigations were “at an advanced but sensitive stage” and that joint provincial and national teams were working tirelessly to apprehend the suspects and maintain law and order in the area.