A suspect was arrested yesterday for the murder of two flying squad police officers in Kimberly, Northern Cape. Constable Okaetse Mandindi (35) and Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo (45) who have been hailed as heroes were both attached to the Kimberley Flying Squad and were tracing a stolen vehicle when they were shot dead. This happens as the South African Police Service recently celebrated their fallen heroes, who died in the line of duty.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said that the two officers spotted a stolen car in Kimberley and pursued it but the driver sped off and crashed the vehicle into Transet premises. "The 38-year-old suspect abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot while firing shots that claimed the lives of the two officers,' Mathe said. National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the organisation will ensure justice prevails for their families, friends and colleagues. "To Sergeant Masilo and Constable Mandindi while the arrest of your perpetrator will not bring you back, may your souls rest in peace knowing that you died serving and protecting South Africa and all its inhabitants," said General Masemola.  

Sergeant Masilo joined the service in 2007 and had 16 years of service at the time of her death while Constable Mandindi joined the service in 2012 and he had 11 years of service at the time of his death. Masemola said the killing of the officers happened before the commemoration of 34 members who died in the line of duty in the 2022/2023 financial year. SAPS reports that 31 officers were killed on and off duty between April and June 2023 nationwide. "We will work hard to secure a watertight case that will result in a lengthy conviction for this perpetrator," he said. The suspect will appear in the Kimberly Magistrates Court tomorrow facing several charges including two counts of murder.