A 36-year-old police officer was shot and killed in Stanplaas, outside Lebowakgomo in Limpopo, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. According to the police, Sergeant George Modiba, who was attached to the Limpopo flying squad unit, was shot by an intruder at his home.

AMBUSHED AT HOME

Spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said Modiba had just returned from work when he was suddenly shot by an intruder at his home. "The unknown suspect stole the victim's service pistol, laptops and cellphones from the house and fled the scene in a white bakkie that was waiting outside the yard," Mashaba said, adding that Modiba was transported to a medical facility, where he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival.

MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECT

Provincial police commissioner General Thembi Hadebe sent her condolences to the family and colleagues of Modiba and ordered the immediate arrest of suspects. Hadebe, accompanied by the Hawks who will lead the investigations, visited the scene yesterday. Lieutenant General Hadebe has. "The killing of a police officer is very serious, and in light of what transpired, the team that we have assigned is already working on preliminary information, and we hope will assist us to shed light on what led to the killing. We have also mobilised maximum resources to ensure we apprehend the suspects," said Hadebe. Anyone who might identify the suspect who matches the description in the photo is asked to contact Lieutenant Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5601, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233, the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.