Independent Media reports that Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) officer Meshack Mahlangu was killed by violent looters, at the newly built Sam Ntuli Mall in Katlehong.

Mahlangu, who had worked at the Metro Police Department for 12 years, was killed when scores of looters forced their way to gain entry to the mall, shooting at law enforcement personnel who stood in their way. He died while being rushed to the hospital. The SA Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) in Gauteng expressed shock and devastation at the loss of the officer. Samwu’s Bafana Zungu said: “It is very unfortunate that an officer has died in the line of duty, while assisting to restore law and order. We call on all our members in law enforcement that, in executing their duties during this unrest, they should do so with great caution, as the situation remains volatile in the province. We further call for calm from residents and all stakeholders involved.” Samwu has proactively approached the SA Local Government Bargaining Council (Salgbc) on the need for municipalities to put in place interventions that should be taken to ensure the health and safety of employees during the current unrest in KZN and Gauteng. “We urge all municipalities to abide by advisory circular 04/2021 which, among other things, advises municipalities to regularly communicate with employees about security risks and guides employees accordingly. More importantly, and where applicable, municipalities are urged to advise workers to remain at home,” said Zungu

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ntombi Nkosi at Independent News

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