The brutal killing of a member of the Hawks in Phelindaba last night sent shock waves through most Bloemfontein communities.
Captain Qeya Jonas Tshabalala (52), who was attached to the Bloemfontein Serious Organised Crime Unit, passed away after he was shot whilst attending to a complaint in Phelindaba.
The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Yolisa Matakata, has expressed shock at the senseless killing of Tshabalala in Bloemfontein on Thursday evening.
According to a statement by the Hawks it is alleged that two unknown assailants got into the house and started to shoot indiscriminately. The captain retaliated, wounding one suspect, however he succumbed due to the bullet wounds he sustained during the exchange of gunfire.
The two suspects made off with his official phone, service pistol and the state vehicle which was found abandoned near Dewetsdorp with blood stains inside.
Meanwhile Bloemfontein Courant this morning visited the community where the incident took place. Although residents were quite scared to speak to Courant reporters, a woman who requested to remain anonymous, said the two suspects were following Tshabalala. Minutes after he entered the house, they knocked on the door, and started shooting.
The woman is however unsure what happened to the wounded suspect. Residents also didn’t want to speculate on what the motive was for the killing.
“This unacceptable and I want to urge members of the community to assist us with any information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects. There is a suspect who is injured and sooner or later he is going to need medical attention. We plead with all hospitals, clinics and community members to call the nearest police if they come across that person.
“Our heartfelt condolences goes to the Tshabalala family and his colleagues. We will assist them without fail, however importantly we shall leave no stone unturned and ensure that those who are responsible for this cowardly act are brought to book as soon as possible,” said Matakata. – Pulane Choane and Pieter Delport
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