Higginson drive-by shooting claims life of police officer
Residents were left shocked as the victim of this latest drive-by shooting was a 33-year-old police sergeant, who was shot multiple times by unknown suspects at the intersection of Higginson Highway and Havenside Drive, on Monday night.
Community and civic leaders have called on higher authorities to erect CCTV cameras at the hotspots of drive-by shooting incidents along the Higginson Highway after a spate of crimes claimed the lives of many, with the latest being a policeman, who was on his way to a crime scene.
Residents were left shocked as the victim of this latest drive-by shooting was a 33-year-old police sergeant, who was shot multiple times by unknown suspects at the intersection of Higginson Highway and Havenside Drive, on Monday night.
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According to police spokesperson, Lt Col Robert Netshiunda, Sgt Mfundo Wiseman Mthetwa was on his way to a crime scene when the incident occurred.
“As the sergeant reportedly stopped at the traffic lights, a white Renault Clio stopped on the right side of the state vehicle and its occupants allegedly fired several shots at the police officer, who succumbed to his extensive injuries in hospital,” said Lt Col Netshiunda.
Sivan Subramodey of Amawele Emergency Services was first at the scene, arriving shortly after 10pm. “We arrived at the scene within minutes to find a white Nissan Hardboy state police bakkie, which was riddled with bullets. There were three occupants inside the vehicle. Upon investigation, we discovered that one male, believed to be in his 30s, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his stomach and upper body. Of the two other occupants, who were both females, one was shot in her left thigh, while the other was left unscathed. Immediately, Advanced Life Support Netcare 911 paramedics were called out and together with the help from other services, the scene was kept under control with the victims being hospitalised,” he said.
Chatsworth Civic and District Federation chairman, Teddy Govender, commented on the criminal activities plaguing the Higginson Highway and surrounding neighbourhoods, with a strong call for government to take the lives of Chatsworth residents seriously.
“We have been campaigning to have the municipality install cameras on the highway for years now, as criminals use the Higginson Highway as an exit route from crimes as well as a place to commit crimes. There were plans to install cameras, however, these have not gotten off the ground as the municipality does not have the sufficient funds to make this happen. There is an urgent need for high quality cameras to be present on the roadway so as to get clear images of vehicle registrations along and the faces of the perpetrators. With this technology, police will have a greater chance of locating and apprehending criminals responsible for thefts in the areas surrounding the highway, as well as those, who steal city infrastructure including those from railways, bridges, and light poles,” Govender said.
He stated that in addition to this, there are far too little patrols being conducted along the highway by authorities.
“Police presence on the highway is at an all-time low as well, helping to encourage criminals to start and continue their lawbreaking ways. Government needs to start hearing the pleas of the community and invest in the safety and security of the people of Chatsworth, as residents can only do so much,” concluded Govender.
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Police are investigating a case of murder. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600-10111.
Tip-offs can also be relayed via the MySAPS app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone.
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