The two men involved in the attempted murder of East London K9 Warrant Officer Pieter “Swanie” Swanepoel and security specialist Darren Saayman have been sentenced to an effective 25 and 22 years’ imprisonment respectively.
Two men involved in a shooting that left East London K9 Warrant Officer Pieter “Swanie” Swanepoel permanently disabled have been found guilty. Mthatha resident Sanele Mankayi, 33, and Ntabozuko resident Bongani Silo, 40, were found guilty on Friday of the attempted murder of Swanepoel and security guard Darren Saayman.
At least nine suspects have been killed in ferocious gun battles with police in the Eastern Cape, in just over two months. On Tuesday afternoon, three robbery suspects died during a foiled armed robbery at a Qumbu store, after an exchange of heavy gunfire with police. The dramatic shootout during the attempted robbery at China Mall in Qumbu brings the number to at least nine suspects killed in four separate gunfights between suspects, police and security guards in Mthatha, Ngcobo and Qonce .
A heroic East London policeman who fought for his life after being critically wounded has spoken out about the challenges police face both within the ranks and on the streets.