A POLICE officer was killed and another seriously injured during a high-speed chase with a suspected stock theft vehicle in the early hours of Thursday morning on the R34 between Heilbron and Edenville in the Free State.
Sergeant Thabiso Andries Mareletse, 45, the driver of a police bakkie, died at the scene after losing control of the vehicle, which overturned.
His passenger, Constable Bongani Jeffrey Xanko,31, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
The incident occurred at around 02:35, with both officers from the Heilbron visible policing unit on duty and in full uniform.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the officers were pursuing a suspect driving a white Nissan Sentra believed to be involved in a stock theft case.
In a statement, Free State Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane expressed her sorrow at the loss of Sergeant Mareletse.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sergeant Mareletse during this difficult time,” she said.
“It is indeed a sad beginning of the year, losing three members in the line of duty already in such a short period of time. We also wish Constable Xanko a speedy recovery.”
The police have launched further investigations into the circumstances of the accident.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information on the suspect in the white Nissan Sentra to come forward. – Staff Reporter