Off-duty JMPD officer fatally shot by SAPS
AN OFF-duty Joburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who opened fire at a group of uniformed SAPS officers was shot dead in Soweto on Saturday after a dispute over her son’s alleged reckless driving.
It is understood that her 27-yearold son had been driving a Toyota Land Cruiser recklessly when he was flagged down by police, but did not stop until he reached his Dobsonville home.
An argument apparently ensued between the SAPS members and the JMPD officer, Linda Mthimkhulu, as the police officers attempted to arrest her son.
This apparently led to Mthimkhulu, an officer of 17 years, fetching her firearm in the house and firing at the officers. The SAPS officers fired back, fatally wounding Mthimkhulu.
The metro cop’s death is now the subject of an investigation by police watchdog, the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (Ipid).
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident saying three people were arrested.
Mthimkhulu’s 75-year-old mother, her son and a neighbour were arrested.
The pensioner was arrested for common assault and interfering with police, while the son was arrested for reckless and negligent driving, and the friend was arrested for interfering with police while conducting their duties, Masondo said.
During a press conference in Pretoria yesterday, Police Minister Bheki Cele said: “Our message is clear, no police officer should die with a gun in their hand.”
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed the unit was investigating the incident.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said: “The matter is being investigated by both the SAPS and Ipid, and as such, the JMPD cannot comment further.”
Cele said over the past 11 months, the Hawks had arrested 83 suspects in connection with police killings.