The two Constables, Obert Boitumelo Mekoa and Mzonani David Manjo, both 32 years old, were found dead at a Community Service Centre by their colleagues on the morning of 29 June 2017.

They were attacked and shot whilst on duty and a service pistol of one of the members was found to be missing. It has been reported that Mekoa was shot once in the head and Manjo was shot in the back and head. The spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Free State, Lynda Steyn, says investigations into the case continue and they are appealing to anyone who might have information that could lead to the arrest to come forward. She confirms two counts of murder and an armed robbery were registered for further investigations and that a reward is still on offer. Steyn says they are still unsure about the number of suspects that might have been involved, but is certain their investigations will soon yield results…

 The slain police officers received state funerals. Mekoa was buried in Koffiefontein, while Manjo was buried in his home town of Botshabelo.

Provincial MEC for the Department of Police, Roads and Transport, Sam Mashinini, has since expressed shock at the killing of the police officers and appealed to the public to come forward with information that might help the police on this matter.

The latest report on crime stats reveals an increase in the number of police killings across the country. The report released last year indicates an increase of 2.4% from 2017.

OFM News