Senior police officials and community members are expected to be part of the funerals of five police officers that were fatally wounded during the attack at Engcobo police station throughout this weekend.
Today the Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner-Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga joined the Mbina family as they put their son WO Zuko Mbina in his last resing place at Vigdesville outside Mthatha.
Other funerals are planned as follows:-
Constable Kuhle Mateta-2018/03/03
Place: Ncora:Cofimvaba
Constable Zuko Ntsheku-2018-03-04
Place: Luhewini-Engcobo
Constable Sibongiseni Sandlana
Place: -Qunu:Mthatha
Constable Nkosiphendule Pongco
Place: Malungeni-Ngqeleni
Eastern Cape SAPS is very grateful for the unwavering support that has been displayed by Engcobo residents, Eastern Cape and all South Africans from different walks of life. This support was visible on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, mainstream media and in messages that were sent directly to the police.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner-Lt Gen Ntshinga said this attack caught everyone by suprise but as police we had to investigate and arrest as it is our primary duty as police. She attributed the speedy breakthrough and quick arrest of suspects in this case to the healthy relationship between the police and the public.
“This unprecedented support during our moment of attack was evidence enough to prove that the government, police and all South African are united in their rejection of attack and murder of our police. We are grateful for this great partnership between police and the public. May we continue to work together in this fashion also in the future.
We have recently launched Operation Fiela II, an operation that is a well-oiled Intelligence driven operation, ready to sweep our province free of crime, gangsterism, drugs and criminals.
Share valuable information anonymously with the police as the public to make operation Fiela more effective”,concluded Lt Gen Ntshinga.
She reminded the public not to forget the fallen heroes of Engcobo Saps attack incident.
“These are patriots and national heroes that lost their lives on a noble cause, serving and protecting the nation. For that reason l salute them”, added Lt Gen Ntshinga. She further assured that the police management will do all they can to support the children of the deceased advance educationally. She also plegded to do all in her ability to improve the working conditions of Ngcobo Saps and other rural police stations to prevent a repeat of a similar incident.