Lwandle police have opened an inquest docket after an off-duty policeman fatally wounded a suspected robber in one of two shooting incidents last Wednesday (12 July).
The 30-year-old constable stationed with the police’s mobile operations unit allegedly opened fire after the suspect tried to rob him of his cellphone while walking home from a mobile shop in Strand.
According to a police report officers were called to the scene in 19th Avenue in Broadlands Village around 21:35. The off-duty policeman explained he walked to a nearby mobile shop and on returning home was approached by an unknown man who held him up at gunpoint, demanding his belongings (cellphone). He then reached for his service firearm, a 9 mm Beretta concealed under his clothes, and shot the suspected robber. “The suspect succumbed to three gunshot wounds on the scene,” stated the report. “One imitation firearm and three cartridges was found on the scene and seized.”
At the time of going to print on Tuesday morning (18 July) police confirmed the suspect is still unknown.
The incident is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
The shooting was preceded by another, which the Lwandle police are calling on the community for assistance with information that can aid the investigation and apprehension of the suspect(s) who remain at large. Police responded to the scene in Zulu Drive, Asanda Village at around 20:00 on Wednesday. “On arrival officers found the lifeless body of an unknown man with gunshot wounds to the face,” stated a report. “Community members allege three gunshots were heard and on investigation discovered the victim dead in the street. No witnesses were found on the scene. One cartridge was found and confiscated.” Anyone with info, can contact WO MJ Erasmus on 060 997 7776.
