Johannesburg – A 37-year-old police official is facing charges of negligent handling of a firearm, as well as an internal probe after his brother allegedly stole the firearm and was killed by a friend who later turned the gun on himself, North West police said on Tuesday.
SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the incident occurred on Sunday in Lekoko village at around 5:30am.
“The police in Mmabatho are investigating cases of murder and inquest after 24-year-old Doctor Matheledi allegedly shot 28-year-old Tshepo Kgosiemang and turned the gun on himself.”
Kgosiemang allegedly stole the firearm from his 37-year-old brother who was sleeping.
“Tshepo allegedly took the firearm which was placed under a pillow, went away with it and later handed it to Doctor.”
Hlathi said that according to the information that was available at this stage, Matheledi allegedly shot Kgosiemang with the firearm in the head, before turning the gun on himself. Both were declared dead on the scene.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Brenda Motswenyane called on members to be responsible when handling or storing their firearms.
She cautioned that police members were not immune from the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
African News Agency
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