The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has launched an investigation after a metro police officer shot and killed an alleged suspect.
The man was wounded after he allegedly pointed a toy firearm at the officer.
According to Ipid spokesperson Moses Dlamini, the officer wanted to conduct a search before the suspect fled.
“It is alleged that the metro police officer was on duty, he wanted to search the deceased. It is alleged that the deceased took out a gun and pointed it at the police officer. All witness statements were obtained. The investigation continues,” Dlamini said.
The city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said: “While on duty at a roadblock, metro police officers observed two males running away from the roadblock last week on Thursday. They gave chase and one of the men then turned around and pointed a firearm at the officers.
“The officer fired a shot at the suspect and struck him. He later died as a result of his injuries. It was later found that the firearm belonging to the suspect was a replica,” Smith said.
He said the city was co-operating with the police and the Ipid in the investigation.