Unions have condemned the killing of four people, including two off-duty police officers, following a shooting incident at a tavern in KwaZulu-Natal.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said provincial police are searching for at least five suspects who allegedly shot and killed four people, including two off-duty police constables, and injured four others at a tavern on Ikhwezi Road at Bhidla Section in Sundumbili, on Monday night.
Netshiunda said it is alleged the deceased were drinking alcohol when an altercation ensued between one constable and a group of five men. The argument was resolved peacefully and the constable bought the group alcohol.
Later, the other constable had another scuffle with the same group outside the tavern, resulting in the constable being shot at. The bleeding constable reportedly ran back into the tavern with the suspects following him. They continued shooting randomly at everyone inside the tavern.
“During that shooting incident, three people were shot and killed at the scene, including the police constable. The second police officer also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a local healthcare facility where he was certified dead on arrival,” Netshiunda said.
Four others were also shot and injured and were rushed to hospital, he said.
“Police have closed off the tavern and confiscated the liquor after it was established that the tavern was operating illegally,” Netshiunda added.
He said the motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police appeal to anyone who might have information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to call the nearest police station or the crime stop number 08600 10111.
The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union spokesperson Richard Mamabolo said: “We remain worried about the killing of officers and of course, indeed, as reported by the national police commissioner, there have been many police officers killed, some while on and off-duty.
“We think that even those killed off-duty, it’s quite a concern because in most cases, when we’ve done our investigations, in previous cases, the main cause would have been in relation to the work they do.
“It is quite important that we also look into that aspect, and not only focus on the ones that are killed on duty,” Mamabolo continued.
He said measures should be taken to ensure all police officers are safe.
“One of the challenges we have raised as a union has been the fact that our members have a lot of challenges, especially their economic standing. They cannot afford to stay in decent areas. They end up staying in shady areas and when they go on duty, they get exposed to certain criminal elements,” Mamabolo said.
PSA KZN manager Mlungisi Ndlovu said: “The reckless killing of law enforcement officers is a direct attack on KwaZulu-Natal’s security and stability. These officers dedicate their lives to serving and protecting communities, yet they continue to fall victim to the same violent crime that plagues the province.
“Furthermore, the PSA demands urgent intervention to improve the safety of police officers in KwaZulu-Natal, both on and off-duty. Officers should not only be protected while in uniform but should also feel safe within their communities.
“Increased police visibility, intelligence-driven crime prevention strategies, and harsher penalties for those who attack law enforcement officers must be prioritised.”
Ndlovu said the incident also exposes the need for stronger regulations and enforcement regarding the operation of liquor outlets, particularly illegal taverns that become breeding grounds for criminal activity.
KZN provincial government communications head Bongani Gina said Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is highly concerned about the scourge of killings in the province.
“The premier condemns the incident and calls on the community to cooperate and work together with the police.”
Meanwhile, when providing an update on SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations on Sunday, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed that from October 2024 to date, nine on-duty police officers and 12 off-duty police officers were killed.
Additionally, 30 police killers were arrested with seven convicted to 22 life and additional 725 years’ imprisonment sentences.