Police couple’s house attacked

Virginia Keppler

The SA Police Service condemned a petrol bomb attack on the house of a police couple in the early hours of yesterday, in Ekangala, west of Tshwane. Police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said the couple were the only people in the house and were asleep when the house was petrol bombed.

“A shootout also ensued as shots were allegedly fired by the suspects and the husband returned fire, forcing them to flee,” Peters said.

He said the wife, a Sergeant in the Saps, sustained burn wounds and was rushed to hospital.

The motive behind this attack is unknown.

Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Deliwe de Lange, has expressed concern at the continued attacks against the police and said it is nothing less than deliberately undermining the authority of the state.

“Harbouring a suspect is a criminal offence. These suspects live within our communities. “They are our neighbours, friends and/or family,” De Lange said. She is appealing to members of the public who might have knowledge of the identity or whereabouts of the suspects, to come forward and report it. De Lange also called on members of the Saps and other law enforcement agencies not to be deterred in their efforts in fighting crime and, more importantly, to be safe and prioritise their own safety against the violent attacks. –