Colonel T.G. Sithole, Greytown police station commander, has been hailed for her exceptional courage and dedication to duty after leading her officers in responding to an armed robbery that ultimately cost her life. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia paid tribute to Sithole, who was fatally shot during a pursuit of armed robbery suspects in Greytown on Thursday. Cachalia condemned her killing as a senseless and cowardly attack on a police officer who had put her life on the line to protect her community.
The armed robbery occurred at Lucky Supermarket in the Greytown CBD, where a shop owner was shot and wounded, and employees were assaulted before approximately 10 suspects fled in a Toyota Quantum. Sithole and Sergeant Gumede, both stationed at Greytown SAPS, pursued the suspects alongside private security personnel. A shootout broke out along Dundee Road, leaving both officers wounded. Sithole succumbed to her injuries, while Gumede survived and is receiving medical treatment.
Two suspects were killed and another wounded during the confrontation. The remaining suspects abandoned their getaway vehicle in the Mpanza area before fleeing into nearby bushes. Police have since launched a manhunt. Cachalia commended the officers who responded to the robbery and pursued the suspects, as well as the collaboration between SAPS and private security personnel.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli also paid tribute to the fallen commander, saying her bravery reflected the sacrifices made by police officers who confront dangerous criminals to protect communities. Ntuli commended Sithole's bravery, dedication, and commitment to the fight against crime. Her passing is a great loss to the police service and the communities she served.
Cachalia extended his condolences to Sithole's family, friends, and colleagues and wished the injured sergeant a speedy recovery. Ntuli called for intensified efforts to bring those responsible to justice and urged residents to assist police with information that could lead to their arrests. Anyone with information is urged to contact their nearest police station or SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Members of the public are warned not to approach or confront the suspects. The KwaZulu-Natal Premier emphasised the need to recognise the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers, who continue to confront dangerous criminal elements in their efforts to keep people safe. The police service and the community are urged to work together to bring the suspects to justice.
With several suspects still at large, the community is urged to cooperate with the police to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The incident has highlighted the risks faced by police officers in their daily duties and the need for continued support and cooperation from the community to combat crime effectively.
Key points
- Colonel T.G. Sithole was fatally shot during a pursuit of armed robbery suspects in Greytown on Thursday.
- KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli commended Sithole's bravery, dedication, and commitment to the fight against crime.
- A manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspects, with residents urged to assist police with information that could lead to their arrests.
