Cops are on the hunt for at least three men who ambushed and killed one of their own yesterday.
Police Constable Lindikile Sikade was shot outside his home in Philippi East and robbed of his service firearm.
The 39-year-old constable, who was stationed at the Grassy Park Police Station, was on his way to work.
Police say the dad of two was sitting in his unmarked official car outside his house in Hlosi Street when he was attacked just after 6am, while it was still dark.
Sources say three young men waited at a spaza shop next to his house before approaching Sikade’s car, firing “seven or eight” shots through his door.
They only took his gun, leaving behind his wallet which was found in his pocket.
Sikade was still alive and was rushed to hospital where he passed away.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General KE Jula says the Hawks would now be investigating the matter.
Police Spokesperson Noloyiso Rwexana said: “This morning at around 6.15am, a 39-year-old police constable stationed at the Grassy Park Detective Branch was shot and killed in front of his residence in Hlosi Street, Philippi East, by unknown suspects as he was about to leave for work.
“The member was sitting in his official SAPS unmarked vehicle when he was attacked and robbed of his official 9mm firearm.”
Lieutenant General Jula expressed his condolences to the widow, family and colleagues of the slain officer and gave “his assurance that the criminals responsible for this morning’s attack will be sought with all the resources at our disposal”.
Jula said: “An attack on any member of SAPS is an attack on the entire Police Service.”
The officer’s wife, Nomfusi Sikade, was too distraught to speak to the Daily Voice yesterday.
Western Cape police asked for anyone who is able to provide information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact Warrant Officer Alfred Baker of the Hawks on 071 351 7464 or Crime Stop could be contacted on 08600 10111.