The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) in the Free State has launched a probe into a shooting that took place on the property of an off-duty police officer.
Free State cop shoots alleged house robbers, kills one
The province’s police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele revealed that the incident happened in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, in Heidendal.
At around 02:00, police were called to the house in Paper Street, where two men were found sprawled in the yard with gunshot wounds.
“One suspect (26) was found with a bullet wound to the chest and he was declared dead at the scene. The other suspect (30) was shot on the legs and he was taken to Pelonomi hospital for treatment, and arrested after he was discharged from hospital,” Brig. Makhele noted.
IPID to investigate signs of foul play
It soon became apparent that the suspects may have been caught attempting to flee with the off-duty officer’s plasma TV.
“A Plasma TV that belongs to the police officer was found lying on the ground,” he added.
At first glance, no signs of foul play that could call the officer’s intentions into question were found. Moreover, the suspects’ vehicle was confiscated and upon further investigation, it was found that it belonged “to a girlfriend of one of the suspects.”
Despite all of this, the IPID is obliged to thoroughly investigate the shooting that culminated in the death of an alleged house robber.
Surviving suspect expected in court this week
At this time, no statements have been issued by the police’s internal investigations division.
The surviving suspect is expected to appear before the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on house robbery charges this week.
The suspect’s girlfriend has not been included in the docket as a person involved in the commissioning of the house robbery.
