Bityi police officer was gunned down while chasing criminals

The South African Police Service in Bityi has lost one of their own on Sunday 2 July2023. Constable Asive Xolela Dudumayo died on duty while chasing criminals. Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has strongly condemned the brutal attack on SAPS member and described it as an act of criminality which must be paid with a heavy price. “Attacks on our members will not in any way deter us from pursuing our constitutional mandate to serve and protect our communities. The arrested suspects must therefore account for their actions and further lead us to the outstanding suspect’s whereabouts.” Lieutenant General Mene said.

The 31 year old officer was responding to a complaint at Enyibini village with the crime prevention members when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle. According to reports the crime prevention members stopped the vehicle to search it. As they began their search two suspects immediately jumped off and ran while the other two were restrained by police officers.

During the search, officers heard gunshots from the direction where constable Dudumayo was chasing the suspect. On responding to the shooting incident, SAPS members discovered that 31 year old Constable Asive Xolela Dudumayo had been wounded and was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical care. Unfortunately, the officer was said to have died from the injuries on arrival at the hospital. Meanwhile, the deceased suspect was also found lying down not very far from the same place the constable had fallen. Police officers confiscated two pistol firearms, ammunition and a red Toyota Corolla.

The motive for the shooting incident is currently under investigation. However, SAPS detectives have registered a murder case, possession of unlicensed fire-arm and ammunition. One of the four suspects aged between 26 and 38 is still at large, while two male suspects have been arrested. The arrested suspects appeared at the Bityi magistrate court on Tuesday, 4 July 2023.

Lieutenant General Mene has on behalf of South African Police Service management sent a message of heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the deceased constable Dudumayo who he described as;

One of the most disciplined and loyal members of SAPS, who was prepared to lay his down his life for the safety and security of his communities. He was patriot and an altruist, who remained true to his calling as a police officer. – Said Lieutenant  Mene.

The provincial commissioner, has vowed to ensure that the remaining suspect is found.