On Saturday evening in Gugulethu, a tragic incident unfolded where five individuals, including Warrant Officer Lindela Mraqisa, lost their lives in a mass shooting. Warrant Officer Mraqisa, a dedicated member of the Western Cape's Protection and Security Service Division, had been serving as Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale's close protector since 2019. Deputy Minister Mathale expressed his heartfelt condolences for the loss of Warrant Officer Mraqisa, describing him as a humble and hardworking officer.
The incident has prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with authorities mobilizing significant resources to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind the attack. Deputy Minister Mathale highlighted the concerning trend of police officers being targeted both on and off duty, urging society and the government to collaborate in combating this issue.
In addition to Warrant Officer Mraqisa's tragic death, another off-duty police officer, a 29-year-old woman attached to the Samora Machel Police Station, was found killed in Mfuleni on Sunday morning. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation, and one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case.
To address these distressing events, Minister of Police General Bheki Cele and National Commissioner of the SAPS General Fannie Masemola will lead a delegation of senior police officers to Cape Town. They plan to engage with the investigating team, offer support to the bereaved families, and appeal to the public for any information that could assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Source: Yusuf Abramjee
