QUEENSTOWN - OFF DUTY CONSTABLE GUNNED DOWN MERCILESSLY IN VIOLENT ARMED ROBBERY

An off-duty Eastern Cape police constable has been shot dead in an armed robbery in Cala‚ near Queenstown.

One of the suspects was also killed in the incident at about 6.30pm on Friday.

Police spokeswoman Colonel Sibongile Soci said six men allegedly entered a grocery store and demanded money while firing shots.

Constable Joshua Vincent Gungqa‚ 44‚ who was attached to the Lady Frere SAPS‚ was at the store at the time and “placed himself on duty”.

“He was fatally wounded and robbed of his state firearm. One suspect was also fatally wounded and a firearm was confiscated. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken and the suspects are still at large. Cases of murder and armed robbery have been opened‚” Soci said.

Acting Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Major-General Zamuthango Mki expressed condolences to Gungqa’s family‚ friends and colleagues on behalf of the province’s police management.

 “Our hearts go out to his loved ones and close colleagues during this difficult time. SAPS will provide all the support possible to the bereaved family‚” Mki said.

“We will not be deterred in our determination to fight crime. We urge community members to work with us‚ in sharing information about crime and the whereabouts of criminals involved.”

Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest‚ prosecution and conviction of the suspects is asked to contact Warrant Officer Zamikhaya Nkampini on 071 481 2686.

Information can also be shared on SAPS Crime Stop 06800 10 111 or Crime Line 32211. All information shared will be treated as confidential.

VIA - sowetanlive.co.za