MBOMBELA - The National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Khehla John Sitole, has strongly condemned the senseless killing of 49-year-old Lt Col Leroy Bruwer this morning (Tuesday, March 17).

Bruwer, who was a long-standing and decorated member of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (known as the Hawks), was on his way to work this morning at 06:30 when he was brutally gunned down by unknown attackers on the Lydenburg Road (R37) between Mbombela and Lydenburg in Mpumalanga. Heavy calibre weapons seem to have been used in the ambush.

Colonel Bruwer was a one of the DPCI’s most seasoned investigators, and had a stellar reputation for cracking complex cases, especially those related to rhino poaching. 

The National Commissioner also urged the multidisciplinary team to immediately mobilise a 72-hour Activation Plan, requesting them not to rest until Bruwer’s killers are brought to book.

“The SAPS family and the community have suffered a huge loss,” General Sitole said.

"I have extended my deepest condolences to Colonel Bruwer’s family, and I also promised them that a thorough investigation would be launched into the his senseless murder,” he added. “We are appealing to anyone who might have information about this incident, to please contact the SAPS Crime Stop number on 086 00 10111. Information can also be communicated via the SAPS MySAPSApp. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.”

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlati