In Browns Farm, Philippi
CCN News
Cape Town:- The Western Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) is mourning the loss of a 48-year-old sergeant attached to the Rapid Rail Unit in Pinelands, who was fatally shot while off duty in Browns Farm, Philippi, on Monday evening, 19 January.
Picture: Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased officer’s family, friends, and colleagues.
According to police reports, the incident occurred shortly after 8pm when two unidentified suspects approached the victim and shot him in the upper body. He was declared dead at the scene. The suspects fled on foot, and no arrests have been made as yet.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) has taken over the murder investigation, with detectives working to establish a motive.
The victim’s identity is being withheld until all next-of-kin have been formally notified.
The killing comes amid a particularly violent 24-hour period in Cape Town, during which seven people – including the officer – lost their lives in separate shooting incidents across the city. Browns Farm, an informal settlement in Philippi, is known for high levels of crime and gang activity.
Police killings remain a serious concern nationally, with 66 officers murdered over the past two financial years.
SAPS has urged anyone with information about the Browns Farm shooting to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide anonymous tips via the MySAPS app.
Story developing as investigation continues.
