Three NW cops die, hot on the trail of suspected murderer

NW – Three North West police officers died in the line of duty while they were hot on the trail of a murder suspect.

According to brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, they were travelling from Potchefstroom to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape on Monday afternoon, 26 February. 

Their investigations led them to Mthatha to track down a suspected murderer, in two murder cases and one of rape, and another suspect for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm. Their crimes have been committed between 2008 and 2011.

The three provincial tracking team officers tragically died in a car accident in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 February in Engcobo, Eastern Cape. Reports indicate that the officers’ vehicle hit a stray animal along the R61. Three occupants died on the scene while the fourth was seriously injured and transported to hospital for medical attention. 

“Our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of these three officers,” said North West provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Baile Motswenyane and the MEC for community safety and transport management, doctor Mpho Motlhabane. 

The three officers are sergeant Sylnester Tokotshane (33) from Taung; constable Kgatatso Tawo (34) from Taung; and constable Modisagaarekwe Kodisang (35) from Madibogo village near Mahikeng. The provincial commissioner and MEC also wished the fourth officer a speedy recovery.