Kraaifontein police killings: Manhunt launched after two officers killed

Police in the Western Cape have launched an urgent 72-hour Activation Plan to track down the criminals responsible for the killing of two officers in Kraaifontein, Western Cape, in the early hours of Sunday morning, after their vehicle came under fire while they were patrolling the area. The fatally wounded officers’ firearms were stolen after the ambush. 

The manhunt for a group of suspects is widespread and will draw on police’s maximum resources. The motivation for the killings is not yet known.

Kraaifontein cops gunned down  

A sergeant and a constable, whose identities the South African Police Service (SAPS) say will be released at a later stage, but confirmed that the two officers had been brutally gunned down while on patrol. 

SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut said in a statement on Sunday 28 February that acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape police, Major General Thembisile Patekile had instituted the 72-hour Activation Plan with immediate effect, and that this would “mobilise various police units to apprehend those responsible for the death of two police members of Kraaifontein this morning”. 

“At around 1:25 the members were on patrol in Phumla Street in Bloekombos when their vehicle came under fire in an apparent ambush. Both members were killed on the scene and robbed of their official firearms,” said Traut. 

Hawks tasked with tracking down killers 

He said that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) – better known as the Hawks – has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding this ‘heinous act against the State”.

“We appeal to the public to come forward with information that will assist us to bring these criminals to book, as there is no space in society for them. Anonymous calls can be made to Crime Stop on 08600 10111,” he said. 

Patekile expressed his “sincere condolence to the families of the two fallen members and vowed his support to them during these challenging times”.

This is a developing story.