Police have now launched a manhunt for five men who are believed to have taken part in the robbery of a jewellery shop and the fatal shooting of Sergeant Piet von Bekkum.

Tshwane metro police spokesman Console Tleane said Von Bekkum, 51, a father of two, was probably not aware of the robbery taking place at NWJ jewellery shop.

"Sergeant Piet von Bekkum was shot at 11am when five robbers emerged from Entrance 4 of the mall after robbing the NWJ jewellery shop at gun point. He was outside the entrance on his police bike, probably unaware that a robbery was underway, when he was confronted by one of the robbers. He was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Tleane.

Tleane said one of the robbers approached Von Bekkum before shooting him from close range.

"One of the robbers went to him and shot him on the chest, at point blank. His firearm was also stolen. The robbers then climbed onto the back of a black Nissan Hardbody which was waiting for them about 10 metres from where Von Bekkum was shot and sped away.

"Another vehicle, a white Nissan Hardbody with a canopy, followed the black one, probably with a view to provide cover."

Tleane said desperate attempts by medical personnel to save Von Bekkum's life were unsuccessful.

"Von Bekkum was rushed to Akasia Clinic where medical practitioners attempted to sustain his life, unfortunately he died just after 12 o'clock. It has since emerged that the black Hardbody was stolen on Wednesday night in Hillbrow, while the white Hardbody also appears to have been stolen," he said. - selebim@sowetan.co.za

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Thu May 23 18:48:00 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 20, 2012

Real-Mogwanthi

I dont support crime at all or what happened but they should have just fled with the jewellery and not shoot any1 because now there's a murder case on thier ass.
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Jul 20, 2012

tpaz

These guys are serious syndicate guys.....probably ex-military and the cops know them but are too sacred ....
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Jul 20, 2012

Chichi7

This is the time that the police need to fight hard where crime is concerned rather than get involved with criminals and being part of the underworld.
It is sad that a cop died
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Jul 20, 2012

PUPU

condolese to my co worker my your soul rest in peace.
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Jul 20, 2012

Bizzabo

Then when Ndosi says shoot to K**l people complain
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Jul 20, 2012

Mothata

These guys should have just taken the cop's gun and left him.
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Jul 20, 2012

Sompisi

Please re-instate Ndosi to do what he likes the Best..........
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Jul 20, 2012

Buckselona

Cops are scared of real thugs and keep on harrassing us for drinking in public.

Condolences to the cop family.
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Jul 20, 2012

Tabza325is

@Buckselona, eish boss it's a Friday we must be on a look out, this Pigs are forever targeting us.
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Jul 20, 2012

Gusheshe

People are shot like animals these days and for nothing nogal ay man bring the death penalty we cant take this anymore. RIP Von Bekkun
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