The 47-year-old Sergeant Disema Stephen Mapane was shot and murdered on 6 December 2022 by a suspect involved in a gas station armed robbery in Welkom.

The police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng says the deceased was stationed in Sasolburg, however, at the time of his death, he was temporarily deployed in a Provincial Task Team dealing with illegal mining in Matjhabeng. Mapane served in the SAPS for 14 years and had three children. Thakeng adds that Mapane is leaving behind his wife, who is also a member of the SAPS at the Zamdela Police Station.

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He says the memorial service will start at 11:30 am on Wednesday 14 December 2022. He further adds that the funeral service of Mapane will be held in Zamdela Hall, Sasolburg on Saturday 17 December 2022, and will take place from 08:00 until 10:00.

ALSO READ: Police minister visits family of slain Free State police officer

Earlier this week, Police Minister Bheki Cele visited the family of the deceased to pay respect to the fallen police officer and also offer his condolences.  

Meanwhile, Thakeng has requested community members to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of the man that he described as a foreign national, who is possibly armed with an AK47. So far, police have arrested the 37-year-old Mangaliso Stephen Hoko, who was a petrol attendant at the station that was robbed a few weeks ago.

ALSO READ: Petrol attendant expected in court after armed robbery

OFM News