Two police officers lost their lives while responding to a house robbery in Mangaung village, Qwa Qwa, in the Free State last night. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, the tragic event took place at around 10 pm when the officers from the Namahadi Community Service Centre (CSC) arrived at the scene.

AMBUSHED 

Makhele said when the cops went to the scene supported by a Crime Prevention vehicle with three members. "Upon arrival, two suspects fled the house, prompting a chase by the Crime Prevention team. Meanwhile, the CSC members approached the house, where one suspect emerged and opened fire. One member was fatally shot and his service pistol was taken by the suspect,' Makhele said. He added that a car chase continued and another suspect ambushed the driver of the backup vehicle while he was reversing the police vehicle. "The officer was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries. The other police officers in the vehicle were unharmed.'

SUSPECTS STILL AT LARGE

According to Makhele, the suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, also stole two cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim of the house robbery. He said the names of the deceased officers will be shared as soon as their families have been formally informed. Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane extended his condolences to the officer families. "On behalf of SAPS, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the two constables. Their sacrifice in service to their community will never be forgotten," Motswenyane said. The suspects are still at large.