Tebogo Msimanga |
A member of the Hawks’ Tactical Operations Management Section was fatally wounded this afternoon in a shootout with suspects in Mamelodi during an operation.
It is alleged that the TOMS members held observation at a house in Mamelodi where it was purported that high-calibre rifles were kept at some residence in the area.
Hawks Spokesperson Brigadier Nomthandazo Mbambo said on Thursday, on 08 June 2023 the TOMS members executed an operation upon receipt of information regarding the mentioned illegal firearms kept in a shack at an informal settlement in Lusaka, Mamelodi.
“The information was operationalised and the TOMS team tactically approached the given shack. As they approached the address, the suspects took shots at the members and a shootout ensued. Three suspects were fatally shot and one TOMS member was fatally wounded. Several firearms were seized”.
Meanwhile, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, General Godfrey Lebeya has expressed his heartfelt sadness in the loss of such a dedicated member of the Hawks.
“The proliferation of illegal firearms in our communities is resulting not only the murders of innocent lives but also robs us of the lives of police officers who have sworn to defend this country and it inhabitants”.