Murdered cops hailed as selfless, dedicated

By Libuseng Nyaka

QWAQWA – With police having intensified their hunt for two suspects in the murder of two police officers, some residents think it is time to bring back death penalty. Constable Sipho Mohapi (45) and Constable Gedione Motloung (39) were responding to a crime when they were murdered by two robbers.

The two constable who have been described by Free State Police spokesperson Brigader Motantsi Makhele as dedicated and selfless for their more than 12 years of policing were murdered when responding to a house robbery at Namahadi village in Qwaqwa on January 4, 2025.

Reacting to the disturbing news Maluti-a-Phofung chief whip Moeketsi Lebesa said it was time government considered bringing back the death penalty.

“I call on the President of South Africa Hon Cyril Ramaphosa to consider a referendum on the death penalty now. We must call on government to set the wheels of democracy in motion, to allow every citizen of this country to decide for themselves whether or not the death penalty should be reinstated for heinous crimes like murder, especially of police officers.”

Echoing these sentiments, the Chairperson of Thabo Mofutsanyana Municipality Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), Setswana Chabeli said no servant deserves to lose their lives in such a manner. “The death of our two officers is unpardonable.”

Explaining how the two police officers met their death, Brigader Makhele said.

“Upon arrival to the scene, two suspects were fleeing the house, prompting a chase by crime prevention team. Meanwhile, one of the two suspects emerged from inside the house and opened fire on the CSC officers. One member was fatally shot, and the suspect took his service pistol,” Makhele said.

According Makhele while pursuing , another suspect ambushed the backup vehicle while reversing. He was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries.

He said the other officers in the vehicle were unharmed. However, the suspects whose faces were covered with balaclavas stole two cell phones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the victims of the house robbery.

“The suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The Provincial Commissioner of police in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane has extended her heartfelt condolences.

“This senseless act of violence has left our organization and the Namahadi community in shock and mourning. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen heroes during this incredibly difficult time.

“An extensive investigation is underway to ensure that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice. The investigation is being handled by the DPCI in the Free State.

“We appeal to the public to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation. The investigation officer, Captain Masekoa from DPCI Free State, can be contacted on 082 455 6063. Alternatively they can also contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or they can drop an anonymous tip on the MySAPS App.”