The bloody month of August

2003-09-08 23:07

Adriaan Basson

Johannesburg - August was a bloody month for police officers in Johannesburg.

Three of the six members of the police who were killed in Johannesburg this year were shot dead in August.

Shortly after police issued a statement, asking communities to help to prevent police killings, a constable from Forest Hill was shot dead on Sunday afternoon after an argument with family members.

Inspector Amanda Roestoff, police spokesperson, said the man was not on duty when he became embroiled in an argument about house keys.

About 15:00 he gave his service pistol to a family member. A number of shots were fired and he was fatally wounded in the neck.

Roestoff said this killing should not be seen as an attack on police.

The three police officers who died in August are:

Police reservist Rudolf Wagenaar, 29, was shot and killed by armed robbers at the Randburg Waterfront Pick 'n Pay on August 4. Two men were arrested in connection with the murder and will appear in the Randburg magistrate's court on Tuesday.

Constable Morris Thifhulufhel died in hospital on August 28 after he was wounded in the head during a robbery in Yeoville on August 23. One of the robbers was shot dead on the scene and two other suspects have been arrested.

Inspector Simon Letswalo, 36, was fatally wounded when he and colleagues tried to apprehend thieves in the Johannesburg city centre on August 28. Three men were arrested and will appear in court on Tuesday.

Assistant Commissioner Oswald Reddy, area commissioner of Johannesburg, said an attack on the police was an attack on government and society.

"Police endanger their lives to serve and protect the community. It is time that communities take a stand against police murders and make their voices heard," Reddy said.

- Beeld