Johannesburg - Four police memberswill appear in court on Tuesday to face murder charges a day after they were arrested and suspended for their roles in fatal shooting of an injured suspect, which was captured on CCTV and has gone viral on social media.
The shocking incident in which a policeman walked over to injured suspect Khulekani Mpanza and shot him dead as he lay on the ground happened two weeks ago in Krugersdorp.
“The members, a sergeant and three constables, were arrested by the Ipid (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) on Monday,” police Colonel Noxolo Kweza said.
“The four, who have been served in custody, have 48 hours whereby they must respond in writing and indicate why they should not be suspended.
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undefined“During the incident, it is alleged members from Krugersdorp had responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked outside a business premises in Lewisham,” Kweza said.
According to Kweza, on arrival at the scene, police saw a Toyota Conquest, with two men inside. As the members were approaching the vehicle, one of the occupants of the Toyota started shooting at the police who then returned fire. Police called for back up and another police vehicle which was in the nearby vicinity responded.
The driver of the Toyota sped off while the other suspect escaped on foot. A car chase ensued and shots were fired. The suspect was then shot and killed.
The firearm used by the suspect was recovered and was allegedly stolen from a security guard in Moroka, Soweto.
Police initially opened an inquest docket, however, the charges were later changed to murder after the video footage surfaced.
ANA
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