The 35-year-old officer was with his girlfriend when he was shot multiple times. (Jaco Marais/Gallo Images/Netwerk24)
- An off-duty police officer was shot in Cape Town over the weekend.
- He is recovering in hospital and no arrests have been made.
- The gunmen are still at large and police are investigating the motive for the attack.
A Western Cape police officer is fighting for his life in hospital after gunmen opened fire on him while he was off duty in Delft on Sunday.
Colleagues found the wounded Parow police station officer in Symphony Way, Leiden, on Sunday, according to police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg.
He said the 35-year-old officer was with his girlfriend when he was shot multiple times.
He was seriously wounded.
“The victim was taken to a medical facility for treatment. The suspect/s fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” he added.
Police are still probing the motive for the attack.
READ | Cop killers must be charged with treason, say unions after killing of officer in Cape Town
Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) acting secretary Xolile Marimani condemned the shooting.
Marimani described the shooting as “disturbing” and said he hoped law enforcement agencies would work tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book.
“Our heart goes out to the family and colleagues of the brave police officer who was senselessly shot by criminals. As we speak now, he is fighting for his life. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the dangers and the risks that our law enforcement officers face every day as they work to keep our society safe. May the officer recover quickly and fully and bring those responsible to justice.”
Popcru previously told News24 that anyone found guilty of killing a police officer should be sentenced to life behind bars.
Popcru said at the time:
They must be in jail for the rest of their life. We pride ourselves in [the work] we do to serve the country, and we cannot be allowed to be killed like this.
SA Police Union spokesperson Lesiba Thobakgale also previously said the number of murders across the country showed that criminals had no fear of killing police officers.”We will maintain that police killings must be declared an act of treason,” said Thobakgale. “Communities must work hand in hand with the police to protect the protectors. “They must report these incidents to the police so that we can all work together to stop these senseless police killings.”
Anyone who has information about the Delft shooting can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
