By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola has commended the team investigating the murder of Constable Thango for the swift arrest of his killers.
According to provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the 32-year-old Constable Siyabonga Thango was among a group of crime prevention officers that were responding to a business robbery in Vosloorus on Friday, 21 July 2023 when he was fatally shot by armed suspects.
Mathe said at the time of his death, he had five years service having joined the organisation in 2018.
She said the investigating team mobilised all resources to apprehend his killers.
“On Sunday morning, the team followed up on information of the whereabouts of the killers. Police pounced on them and a shootout ensued in Vosloorus.
“Two suspects aged 27 and 29 were arrested and three firearms recovered. The 27-year-old suspect later succumbed to his injuries in hospital,” said Mathe.
Masemola said those behind the attacks and killing of police officers must receive the maximum prison sentence as “these killings are an attack on the authority of the state”.
Mathe said the South African Police Service flag does not move because the wind blows it, “but because of the last breathe of members like you who died protecting it”.
“Thank you for your bravery, loyalty and the sacrifices you made to serve and protect the people of the Republic of South Africa (RSA),” said Masemola.