Police Minister Bheki Cele has condemned the murder of a 49-year-old police officer

By Larry John Brown

Published: June 7, 2022 | 11:46 AM GMT

Bheki Cele, the Minister of Police, has denounced the murder of a 49-year-old police officer in Cape Town last week while on duty.

Warrant Officer Siyakubonga Mphakathi of the SAPS Rapid Rail Unit was heading towards the Phillipi train station in his car when unknown suspects shot him through the glass. He passed away on the spot.

The homicide is being investigated by detectives from the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI).

The Minister paid a condolence visit to Mphakathi’s family in eMfuleni on Tuesday.

Addressing reporters, Cele said government has a duty to reduce police murders.

“We need to make sure that police do not die whether while in the line of duty or off duty. Moreover, when something like this happens, we need to find the perpetrators. Maybe what we don’t do often enough is to report back and say that we [have arrested] more than 90% of people that kill officers. Even with these ones, we will find them.”

Cele lamented police killings, as violent crimes continue to plague the country.

“These are criminals that live among communities. It is an issue that will require the community at large to work together to [get rid of],” he said.

About Larry John Brown

Larry John is a talented writer and journalist based in New York, USA. He is a valued contributor to TDPel Media, where he creates engaging and informative content for readers. Larry has a keen interest in current events, business, and technology, and he enjoys exploring these topics in-depth to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail, which make his articles a pleasure to read. Larry’s passion for storytelling has earned him a reputation as a skilled writer and a respected authority in his field.