Two suspects arrested for attempted murder and armed robbery of traffic officers

The Department of Transport and Public Works welcomes the arrest of two suspects who were allegedly involved in the shooting of Traffic Officers Mandisa Plaatjie and Princess Nkomo.

The Department commends Harare SAPS and those who contributed and came forward with information towards the investigation. The arrest comes after the officers were shot and wounded at Harare Square in Khayelitsha on 5 July 2016 at 11:25. The perpetrators took the officers’ cellphones and wallet.

Nkomo was shot in the stomach and Plaatjie in the arm. After the incident, Plaatjie bravely drove herself and her colleague to the nearest hospital. It is believed that the suspects wanted to steal the officer’s firearms, but both had chosen to work unarmed.

The suspects, aged 26 and 30 year old, are facing charges of attempted murder and armed robbery. They are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate Court on Monday, 18 July 2016.

This breakthrough is highly commended by management of the Department and Provincial Traffic Services. This sends a strong message that those who are involved in criminal activities will be harshly dealt with.

Colleagues of Plaatjie and Nkomo look forward to having them back at work after their three-month recovery period.