Cape Town - An alleged quarrel between a complainant and a police constable is believed to have led to a shooting with one person killed and another wounded at the Ashton police station, before the officer allegedly took his own life.
The grieving family of murdered Yanga Willie is understood to have been accompanying the complainant who made a narrow escape when the cop allegedly fired shots.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said the incident occurred at about 7.50am on Friday.
“It is alleged that a 34-year-old constable who was on duty at the time of the incident opened fire at three members of the public, fatally wounding a male in his thirties.
“The second male, also in his thirties, was wounded and admitted to hospital, while the third male escaped unharmed.”
Traut said the officer left the police station and drove to his residence in Zolani, Ashton, where his body was discovered with a gunshot wound.
He said the circumstances leading to the murder, attempted murder and death inquest was being probed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).
“The matter has been reported to Ipid and our preliminary investigation has commenced.
“Our focus is on death due to police action and the circumstances that led to suicide,” said Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Suping.
On Sunday afternoon, family elders went to the Ashton police station in the hope of getting answers.
“According to what we heard, (they) were accompanying their friend who wanted to lodge a complaint against the officer due to an alleged assault.
“Apparently he didn’t want the complaint to be lodged, however, we don’t understand why use violence.
“And the two who got hurt had nothing to do with the issues he had with their friend who managed to run.
“We are all still in shock and heartbroken. While the police officer is not alive to answer our questions, we demand justice,” said Mazala.
Community activist Billy Claasen said it was sad that police stations, a place where everyone is free to lodge complaints, were not safe.
“A police station should be a place of refuge. The system is failing our young people because they are just picked up on the streets and not trained properly to deal with different issues. Some are deeply rooted in crime.
“Police management need to look into their own people.
“Yes, members of the public must respect police officers and the law but also vice versa.
“While other officers need mental help and are not provided the assistance they need, others are arrogant.
Piketberg police officer Richard Smit’s case is an example that police need to clean up and look into their members,” said Claasen.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagan Allen said he was deeply shocked.
“I’d like to say to all SAPS members that support is always available to them, regardless of where and when they might require it. My condolences go out to all loved ones affected by these tragic deaths.”
Cape Times