RIP | Tributes pour in for slain KZN police commander
· The South African
Tributes continue to pour in for Greytown police station commander Lieutenant Colonel TG Sithole, who died in the line of duty on Thursday, 12 November.
Sithole was leading a team of police officers pursuing armed robbery suspects in KwaZulu-Natal when a shootout broke out.
Visit newssport.cv for more information.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and KZN Premier Thami Ntuli has paid tribute to the slain officer.
POLICE COMMANDER LED FROM THE FRONT
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said Sithole and her team responded to a robbery at a business in Greytown, where suspects shot the owner and assaulted employees.
At least 10 suspects fled in a Toyota Quantum.
Police officers and private security personnel pursued the vehicle, catching up with the suspects along the R33 towards Msinga.
The suspects opened fire, fatally wounding Sithole and shooting a police sergeant in the arm.
Two suspects died during the exchange of gunfire, while police arrested a third who sustained injuries.
The remaining suspects escaped into the mountains. Police recovered two rifles and a handgun.
‘IMMENSE COURAGE’
Ntuli praised Sithole’s bravery and dedication to protecting communities.
“Colonel Sithole displayed immense courage in confronting armed criminals and protecting our communities,” he said.
Cachalia also condemned the killing and commended the officers and private security personnel who responded to the robbery.
Meanwhile, former Greytown Community Policing Forum chairperson Lungisani Mabaso reportedly said that Sithole was a hands-on leader who dedicated herself to fighting crime.
Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.