THE Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is investigating several violent incidents involving police that occurred across the country over the weekend – some of which have led to death.
Ipid spokesperson Grace Langa said it was alleged that a police officer from the town of Ekuvukeni in Ladysmith received information that a rape suspect was reported to be at a tavern on Saturday night.
She said the officer proceeded to the area and upon arrival members of the community started assaulting him and throwing bottles at him, saying they don’t drink liquor with policemen.
“The member alleges he managed to draw his firearm and he fired a shot and one person was shot in the head and was then rushed to the hospital,” said Langa.
Langa said the victim died at Ladysmith Hospital and Ipid was investigating the matter.
On Saturday in Ematimatolo, Greytown, police shot and killed a 26-year-old security guard after he went on a shooting spree, killing two security officers, three relatives, his son and girlfriend.
“The suspect shot and killed a security officer and burnt him before fleeing with his company vehicle. He then shot his 5-year-old son, a 34-year-old female relative and her 5-year-old son and a 13-year-old relative in Ladysmith.
“He proceeded from there and shot his girlfriend, who was critically injured. He then shot another security officer whom he suspected of having an affair with his girlfriend,” said Langa.
She said members informed the Greytown task team that the alleged suspect was heading to the Ematimatolo area to his homestead.
“The suspect was spotted and a shootout occurred between the suspect and members. The suspect died as a result of the shooting. Ipid is investigating his death,” said Langa.
Meanwhile, Ipid is also investigating a warrant officer from Parkweg Simac Bloemfontein for discharging his firearm, use of firearm under the influence of alcohol and defeating the ends of justice.
Langa said just after 12pm today, Parkweg Crime Prevention Unit received a complaint from a CCTV camera operative near an adult sex shop.
“It is alleged that this police officer fired three shots in a public space near the building and that no one was injured. He alleged that someone robbed him of his cellphone and the person who robbed him entered the building,” she said.
Ipid investigated the matter and found that his claims were false and he was arrested.
The warrant officer is held at Parkweg Police station, where he is stationed, and will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Ipid is also investigating a case of death as a result of police action during a protest after a 36-year-old man, who was allegedly not part of the protest, was killed on Friday.
Langa said it was alleged that community members from Lichtenburg in the North West, at around 4am, were burning trucks and attacking shops when police began firing shots.
She said a man named Ishmael Moerane Mofokong was shot in the right side of his chest.
“It is alleged that the 36-year-old Moerane was found lying on the side of the street by his friends, who took him to hospital at around 8.20am and that when they arrived at the General De La Rey Hospital the deceased was already dead. It is alleged that Ishmael was not one of the protesters,” said Langa.
Ipid was called and the scene was reconstructed for investigation.
THE MERCURY