Off-Duty Officer Killed in Armed Robbery
Lillydale Mpumalanga police in Mpumalanga have launched an urgent manhunt for suspects after an off-duty officer, 29-year-old Constable Khulani Chabangu, was fatally shot during an armed robbery in Lillydale Trust, Calcutta, on the night of 30 May.
nnnnOfficers responding to a report of a shooting discovered Chabangu lying unresponsive with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by emergency medical services. His clothes were missing, and he had been shot after confronting armed suspects outside a local barbershop.
nnnnPreliminary reports indicate that two suspects entered the barbershop while Chabangu and others were inside. The armed men ordered everyone to lie down, robbed them of their cellphones, and forced Chabangu to undress, taking his clothing and car keys.
nnnnIt is believed Chabangu followed the suspects outside, where he was gunned down, and the suspects fled the scene in his private vehicle.
nnnnChabangu, stationed at Volksrust SAPS under the Visible Policing Unit, had served the South African Police Service (SAPS) for five years.
nnnnA 72-hour Activation Plan has been launched by Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, to deploy all resources necessary to trace and arrest the killers.
nnnn“Anyone who attacks a police officer is directly attacking the state and will face the full might of the law,” said Mkhwanazi.
nnnnPolice Appeal for Information: Members of the public with any information that could assist are urged to contact Lt. Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko on 082 992 9902, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or report via the MYSAPS App. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality.
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