The North West police are continuing with a search for suspects who murdered a community patroller in Potchefstroom.

The body of Melusi Dladla (54) was found early on Tuesday morning (8/8) by a passerby in a bushy area at Zinniaville close to the  R510 in Tlhabane, said North West police spokesperson Adele Myburgh. He was declared dead by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services.

Myburgh said initial investigations indicated the victim was a community patroller and it is alleged that he was confronting two suspects and was shot in the neck. Provincial Police Commissioner Sello Kwena expressed his sadness. He said the brave community member was volunteering his time to protect the community and the police will continue to work hard to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

‘Community patrollers not to work alone’

Kwena requested community members who are participating in endeavours to safeguard their communities to contact their local Community Police Forum (CPF). They have patrollers working in cooperation with the police. He advised community patrollers not to work alone.

Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation of this murder has been requested to contact the police or the nearest police station. The North West police had previously shared tips for travelling  at night:

• Being on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles.
• Know where you are going. Do not use unfamiliar routes to get home.
• If you are bumped from behind and feel unsafe or suspicious, head to the nearest police station or place of safety.
• Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Don’t get out to assist someone who seems to be in trouble. Inform the police.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg