Prayer service for slain police officers in Kimberley

Members of the South African Police Service attending a prayer service

An emotional prayer service was held this morning at the Transvaal police station in Kimberley after the murder of two flying squad unit members on Tuesday.

The two officers 35-year-old Constable Okaetse Mandindi and 45-year-old Sergeant Kedimetse Masilo were killed by a man who was driving a suspected stolen car. According to the South African police, the officers spotted an alleged Transnet vehicle enroute from Bloemfontein and gave a chase.

The vehicle drove through a closed Transnet gate to a ditch where the suspect abandoned it and ran on foot. The two officers continued with the chase on foot, and it is alleged that as they were about to arrest a male suspect, he turned around and overpowered one of the officers and disarmed her a rifle. He used the rifle to fatally shoot both police officers.

Two police officers who were killed in Kimberley.

During the prayer service, Apostle Patrick Mokwena and other preachers of the word encouraged members of the police services not to lose hope after losing two of their colleagues. Mokwena reminded the officers that they were in the police service because they were called to protect the nation.

“I just want to remind you that you are not policemen and women by mistake, but you were called to protect our nation so do not let this incident discourage you. We pray that God will continue to give every one of you strength during this difficult time after losing these two people who were your friends, colleagues, and family members.”

Meanwhile, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola has commended police for the swift arrest of a 38-year-old suspect who has been arrested for the killing of the two officers. General Masemola says that they will ensure justice prevails for their families, friends, and colleagues.

“The killing of these members happens a week before the commemoration of 34 members who died in the line of duty in the 2022/2023 financial year. We will work hard to secure a watertight case that will result in a lengthy conviction for this perpetrator”, said Gen Masemola.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 24 August 2023 on a number of charges including two counts of murder.