Major General Nyiketani Baloyi, the Thohoyandou Cluster commander, has issued a stern warning to criminals who are killing members of the police that they will leave no stone unturned in tracking the killers down.

Baloyi´s statement comes in the wake of a reign of terror that is being waged against members of the police at Itsani, where two members have been shot and killed by criminals in a period of two months. Last month, a pregnant constable was shot dead at a lodge at Itsani and her boyfriend was seriously injured in the incident. The latest victim, Sidwell Mudau (25), was shot dead while closing his tuck shop at Itsani last Friday evening.

Mudau was described as an asset to the community and his death has left the whole community with sore hearts. He was buried at the local cemetery over the weekend. Hundreds braved the heavy rains to make sure that the dedicated cop received a fitting sendoff.

The men in blue came in their numbers; there was a guard of honour and colleagues served as pallbearers. The service was conducted with the dignity befitting the late policeman.

Baloyi said the police would not give in to criminals who went about killing policemen and committing crimes at will in the community and would continue hunting them down until they were behind bars. He said crime was at an all-time high, more especially crimes that involved the use of fire-arms, at Itsani. He said they were arresting criminals but others continued to trouble the community.

The provincial commander of the intelligence services, Col Shandukani Mushiana, said Mudau’s death was a blow to the police. “This man served in an exemplary manner; he was dedicated to his work. People should know that not all policemen are selected to work in the intelligence service, but this man proved beyond any doubt his good qualities. We are giving an assurance to the community todaythat they must go out and tell those who commit crime that their days are numbered,” said Mushiana.

Mr Tshitimbi Mudau, the father of the deceased, said they were greatlyshocked and saddened by their son’s untimely death. “We worked very hard to bring him where he was. He was a faithful boy who was dedicated to bettering his life and those of the people around him, not forgetting the community which he served with distinction. We feel as if a part of us has been taken away. We are just praying that whoever did this must be found and answer for his heinous actions, ” he said.