Police in Mpumalanga have declared war against criminals after three off-duty police officers were attacked in the past six days.
Provincial police commissioner Africa Khumalo said anyone who murders or injures a police official would be brought to book.
"We are tired of these ruthless criminals who are killing the police for doing their job," he said on Thursday. "The criminals have declared war and we will not rest until we arrest them all."
On Wednesday, Nelspruit police captain Solomon Sinclair who is stationed at the government
complex was shot dead while visiting a friend at Lihawu Mamelodi township in KaNyamazane.
Sinclair was shot in the back and side. His pistol, identity documents and money were not taken.
No one has been arrested for the murder.
In another attack on Saturday, Constable Dumisani Mhlanga of Lydenburg was shot when four suspects confronted him while he was walking home.
Mhlanga was off duty at the time and was shot in the left elbow and stomach.
He managed to escape after firing back and wounding two of the suspects.
Khumalo said the two wounded suspects were arrested when they sought medical attention at a local clinic where Mhlanga was also admitted.
The other two suspects are still at large.
The third cop who was shot was Sergeant Justice Aphane who was shot at by four suspects driving a red Volkswagen golf between Ramogeletsane and Bloedfontein in Siyabuswa last week Friday.
Aphane was shot in both legs but was able to returned fire and the suspects fled.
Two of the suspects were arrested in Siyabuswa the next day, while the remaining two suspects are also still at large.
"The remaining suspects will be brought to book," said Khumalo.
During the last financial year of 2004/5, attacks on police were reported to have increased from 74 to 80 incidents compared to the previous year. - African Eye News Service.