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.