The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Ms Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has paid tribute to the two traffic officers who died in the line of duty last week in Mtubatuba

The MEC for Transport, Community Safety, and Liaison Ms. Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni has paid tribute to the two traffic officers who died in the line of duty last week in Mtubatuba.

Speaking at the memorial service of Provincial Inspectors Mxolisi Lamula and Sizwe Sithole held at Mtubatuba today MEC Peggy Neliswa Nkonyeni said their killing in broad daylight had inflicted pain and anger among their colleagues and reminded us of the difficulties and realities faced by our law enforcement officers on a daily basis. She vowed that their death should not go in vain.

“Therefore, losing one member is a serious blow to the state and the citizens. Generally, there is a shortage of law enforcement officers across and losing two members leaves a serious void that will be difficult to fill. According to police reports there have been other killings of our fellow law enforcement officers who were members of SAPS were also attacked and ambushed in Empangeni not so long ago and we are told one staff member here was robbed of his work firearm here in Mtubatuba – and we are told some security guards were attacked and robbed of their firearms in Empangeni.

This points to rampant crime and possibly a syndicate that is targeting law enforcement agencies with a view of disarming them and continues to cause instability and anarchy in this province and this country. This will not be tolerated as we are taking these cases very seriously and we are even investigating those who are perpetuating these threats on social media,” said Nkonyeni.

She warned perpetrators that no one was above the law and that no crime would go unpunished. Moreover, she appealed to law enforcement officers to stay vigilant and alert.