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Sixth cop murdered this month

CRIME VICTIM: The body of Sergeant Moeketsi Lekojane is covered with a blanket after he was shot dead in Zola, Soweto, yesterday. Pic. Lucky Nxumalo. 29/08/07. © Sowetan.
CRIME VICTIM: The body of Sergeant Moeketsi Lekojane is covered with a blanket after he was shot dead in Zola, Soweto, yesterday. Pic. Lucky Nxumalo. 29/08/07. © Sowetan.

Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

The South African Police Service in Gauteng yesterday condemned the recent attacks on and the killing of policemen.

Provincial police communications head Director Govinndsamy Mariemuthoo said: "We will not allow ourselves to be intimidated while doing our job. We will hunt down the killers and ensure that they are brought to book."

This comes after another on-duty police officer was shot dead yesterday while he and a colleague were chasing a stolen vehicle in Zola North, Soweto.

The killing of Sergeant Moeketsi Lekojane, 37, has brought to six the number of officers murdered in Gauteng this month.

Nationally, more than 654 policemen have been murdered in the past four years.

Police, including the dog unit, were searching for the gunmen, who were still at large by last night.

Police suspect that an AK-47 assault rifle was used to kill Lekojane, who was stationed at Protea Glen.

Lekojane and his colleague, identified only as Inspector McDonald, spotted the car, a white Toyota Tazz, while driving along Bendile Street.

The car, which had been reported stolen in Booysens, made a sudden U-turn and the occupants jumped out and opened fire on the policemen.

Gauteng police spokesman Superintendent Thembi Nkwashu said: "Police returned fire and Lekojane was shot in the chest, but McDonald was unharmed. Lekojane died on the scene.

"We plead with members of the community to come forward with information that may lead to the arrest of the gunmen."

Visibly shocked and unbelieving police officers watched Lekojane's body as it lay next to the police car and his service pistol.

Two policewomen said: "Our job is really hard. At times you feel like quitting, especially when things like this happen."

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