Find out what Mpumalanga MEC said after Schoemansdal officer’s death

Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has called for uncompromising justice following the death of Sgt Lawrence Dumisani Mtshweni, who was fatally shot while responding to a robbery last week.

Speaking at Mtshweni’s funeral at Schoemansdal Community Hall on Saturday, Macie made it clear that he believes in strict retribution for those who kill law enforcement officers.

“I do not forgive. This is an eye-for-an-eye situation.”

Sgt Mtshweni succumbed to his injuries in hospital shortly after the attack. Since then, two suspects have been arrested in connection with his murder, while two others were killed by police in Eswatini. Another suspect took his own life before police could apprehend him.

At the service, Macie praised the officer for his bravery:

“Thank you, Sgt Mtshweni, for giving your all and standing your ground until the end. He died protecting the lives and property of South Africans.”

Macie also expressed frustration over the legal system, noting that some suspects had previously been released, emboldening them to commit further crimes:

“Our officers do their duty and make arrests, but the courts sometimes release the same people. This cycle must end, and it will, as long as I am MEC.”

He urged the community to cooperate with law enforcement and avoid sheltering criminals:

“It’s important that offenders come forward to the police. If we have to pursue them ourselves, we cannot predict what will happen.”