Johannesburg – Western Cape police were on Wednesday searching for people linked to the murder of a police officer’s mother in Manenburg, Cape Town.

“No arrest has been made as yet,” said Captain FC van Wyk.

The police constable’s 71-year-old mother was shot dead on Monday night and his 44-year-old brother was shot and wounded during the attack.

“Cases of murder and attempted murder are under investigation,” said Van Wyk.

Western Cape community safety MEC Dan Plato said in a statement on Wednesday the man and woman were family members of Constable Lutfie Eksteen, a member of the SA Police Service’s anti-gang and drug unit.

“My sincerest condolences to Constable Eksteen, the extended family, colleagues and friends for their loss and trauma experienced,” said Plato.

He urged the Manenburg community to work with police to arrest the people involved in the attack.

“We cannot allow such a brazen and heinous attack to deter the SAPS to act against unscrupulous criminals, murderers, gang bosses or drug lords,” said Plato.

The provincial community policing board on Wednesday condemned attacks on police officers and their families.

“Our members who under trying circumstances and challenges passionately pursue their duties in serving and protecting our communities,” chairperson Magdalene Moos said in a statement.

“Our men and women in blue are also human beings and an attempt on the lives of these officers is an act of treason and must be dealt with the severest of punishment.”

SAPA