Cape Town – Seven Ekurhuleni Metro Police officers are being investigated by police watchdog Ipid for charges related to murder, attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping said the officers were arrested on Saturday.
"The five constables and two inspectors will make their first appearance at the Tsakane Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, September 12. It is alleged that the officers went into a shack in Langaville, Extension 6, on September 8, 2022, where they found four African men. Two were sleeping and the other two watching TV.
"As the officers entered the shack, two of occupants in the shack ran to the outside. Two police officers gave chase leaving the other officers with the other two men inside the shack.
“The two men inside the shack were allegedly assaulted by the officers. While being assaulted, they heard gunshots outside and one of their friends screaming for help.
“Afterwards the police officer allegedly left the scene. The two victims went outside to look for their two friends and one was found lying on the ground with two gunshot wounds to his right leg," said Suping.
The injured victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
On the way to hospital the victims had met up with the same police officers, stopped and confronted them about the whereabouts of their friend who was still missing.
"The police allegedly told them that they don't know because he ran away. From the hospital the victims went to open a case of attempted murder against the police officers at the Tsakane Police Station.
"While at the police station, the victims received a call that their friend was found dead behind another shack in Langaville not far from theirs. The deceased’s body was transported to Springs Pathology Services and a post-mortem was conducted yesterday morning," said Suping.
The officers each face a charge of murder, attempted murder and defeating the ends of justice.
Cape Times