DA sends condolences to families of shootout victims

by Melinda Hattingh MPL – DA Northern Cape Spokesperson on Transport, Safety & Liaison

Date: 09 March 2017

Release: Immediate

Type: Press Statement

The DA would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all the families whose loved ones tragically passed away

during yesterday’s Bultfontein road shootout in Kimberley that claimed the lives of two police officers and a

suspect.

It is alleged that the shootout was preceded by a domestic violence altercation at the local SAPS administration

block between the suspect and his wife, who is apparently also a police officer.

It is unfortunate that the incident happened on International Women's Day and at a time when South African

women have to fight for the basic right to feel safe in their own homes and at their workplace.

We thank all committed SAPS members who risk their lives on a daily basis in order to protect those who fall

victim to crime. We also salute these brave men and women who have to execute their duties under difficult

circumstances.

It is a horrifying reality that many abused women in SA do not have a safe refuge, at home or at work. Domestic

violence in the Northern Cape and the country needs to be urgently addressed before even more lives are lost as

a result of this debilitating scourge.

Media Enquiries

Melinda Hattingh MPL

DA Northern Cape Spokesperson on Transport, Safety & Liaison

082 494 6648

Shelley De Witt

Researcher

082 847 1387