Officer killed in shoot-out during alleged brick theft
THE Khayelitsha officer killed following a shootout with his colleagues who caught him allegedly stealing bricks from a construction site is alleged to have been part of a gang targeting the site in armed robberies.
The officer, who’s name has not been released, is believed to be a sergeant attached to the Khayelitsha Tactical Response Team.
Harare police were carrying out patrols in Mbarhayi Street in Mandela Park yesterday when they came across a white bakkie loading bricks at the construction site.
Police spokesperson Novela Potelwa said when officers approached the vehicle, four suspects fled.
“Police managed to arrest two suspects assisted by security guards who were on site.”
It is alleged that the Harare officer who was among two that managed to evade arrest returned to the construction site with intentions to free those who were arrested and fired shots at the police officers.
“Police came under fire (and) they returned fire.
“The gunman was hit. He was taken to hospital where he died.”
Potelwa said further investigations led the police to the home of the cop where a generator stolen in a business robbery in the area was found.
“It was also discovered that the firearm used by the deceased to fire shots at the police was a service pistol registered in his name. The vehicle that was loading bricks at the construction site belonged to the deceased,” she said.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate spokesperson Ndileka Cola said they were investigating a death as a result of a police action incident.
Western Cape acting police commissioner Thembisile Patekile said not only do police officials involved in crime tarnish the name of SAPS but their actions strain relations between police and communities.
Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF) chairperson Ndithini Tyhido said the shopping centre under construction has seen a lot of criminal attacks.
“In this shopping centre we are hoping to have paramount services including SASSA offices that will benefit the community, but it has seen a lot of interruptions due to criminal elements.
It is very disappointing that a member of the police who is supposed to assist was part of the problem.
The generator that was found at the cops house was reported to be robbed at the shopping centre.
“Challenges faced at that site had reached a point where the KDF and community leaders had to seriously intervene and come with solutions.”
SA Policing Union acting deputy general secretary Peter Ntsime said: “As Sapu we say that anyone who shoots at the police, must suffer the consequences thereof.
“We commend the police involved in the incident for the great work done. If the police, as alleged, was with criminals doing criminal activities, then he is one of them.”