Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has called for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the murder of an off-duty police officer in Khayelitsha on the Cape Flats.
The sergeant, who was attached to Nyanga police station, was visiting a relative in Town Two when two armed suspects allegedly entered the home and opened fire on him on Sunday afternoon.
The officer sustained fatal injuries and was declared dead at the scene. The suspects fled in a vehicle and remain at large.
Marais has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on law enforcement and the safety of communities.
She said police officers dedicate their lives to protecting citizens and should not become targets of violent crime.
"When those tasked with enforcing the law become targets of violent criminals, it undermines the ability of law enforcement agencies to keep communities safe," Marais said.
"Protecting our officers is therefore critical to improving policing outcomes and restoring public confidence in the criminal justice system."
Marais urged anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward, adding that bringing the perpetrators to justice is essential to ensuring the safety of both police officers and the communities they serve.
Police have launched an investigation into the murder and are pursuing leads to track down the suspects.