South African Police Service (Saps) members of Operation Vala Umgodi in the Frances Baard District seized a large quantity of diesel fuel from a house in Phuthanang in the Kimberley, Northern Cape.

According to Saps, the suspected stolen diesel is estimated at R7000.

On Thursday, both the Proactive and Combat Teams received intelligence-based information about a house on Samora Machel Street where diesel was allegedly stored and sold.

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25 liter diesel container found

Members of the Proactive and Combat teams were briefed on Thursday with intelligence-based information about a residence on Samora Machel Street that was allegedly used for the storage and sale of diesel fuel.

“Information was made available and diesel was found in 25-litre containers stored in a disused toilet. No satisfactory explanation was given as to its ownership,” he said. Sergeant Merapelo Pilane.

Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspected criminal activity via the MySaps App or the crime stop number 08600 10111.

KZN officer shoots colleague in operation

In a separate incident, a KwaZulu-Natal police officer accidentally shot his colleague during an operation.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) confirmed on Tuesday that it was investigating a case of culpable homicide.

Ipid’s spokesperson Phaladi Shuping told Citizensaid six Public Order Police (POP) officers and two Port Shepstone K-9 Unit members were on an operation to locate a person reported to have been involved in a domestic conflict on Sunday.

“It is alleged that a stun grenade was placed in a room while police officers were engaged in a tactical move to neutralize a person allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident. A police officer allegedly thought they were being attacked.”

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Shuping said the officer opened fire and “accidentally” shot two of his colleagues.

“One police officer was shot dead and the other was injured and taken to hospital. The incident was reported to IPID for investigation and the directorate is investigating charges of premeditated murder and negligent discharge of a firearm.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu called for greater caution in the future and expressed his condolences to the family of the dead officer.

“Our thoughts are especially with the family of the Public Order Police member who lost his life in this unfortunate incident. We also send our prayers for the full recovery of the injured K-9 Unit member and remain committed to supporting those affected by this tragedy and will do everything possible to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future,” Mchunu said.

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