Cops probe theft of firearm, death of neighbour, 22

EASTERN Cape police have launched an investigation into the death of a man alleged to have shot himself with a firearm stolen from a police officer.

Mdantsane police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku said the firearm was allegedly stolen at the weekend from the NU8 home of a Constable Wanda Fose.

Fose is based at Kidd’s Beach police station where he works as a crime prevention member.

He was reportedly not at home at the time of the alleged theft, which is believed to have taken place on Saturday night.

Police sources said Fose only noticed missing items when he returned home on Sunday morning. SAPS members who questioned him told the Daily Dispatch that, on realising what had happened, Fose had conducted his own investigation into the theft without success.

“He said the firearm was locked in a safe, which he found to have been ripped off the wall of his home,” said a police source who spoke to the Dispatch on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“He then went out to the community to investigate the breakin. He said he went back home and suddenly a young man who lives next door appeared at his front door and alleged he had shot himself using his firearm,” said the member.

Another SAPS member said Fose had tried to question the wounded man about the whereabouts of his firearm but because he had lost a lot of blood, the man was unable to answer.

“The policeman put the man in his own car and rushed him to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital. Unfortunately the young man passed away on Sunday afternoon.”

The dead man was identified by police as Simpiwe Jidana, 22.

“Vulindlela police are investigating a case of house breaking and theft following an alleged break-in into a police official’s house in NU-8, Mdantsane,” Mzuku said.

“Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Nomfuneko Nqenqa of Vulindlela police station on 043 - 765-6909 / 073- 728-1607.

“A further inquest docket was opened, after a young man allegedly came to the police official’s house later covered in blood from a gunshot wound to the stomach. He allegedly told the officer that he had shot himself with the officer’s stolen firearm.”

Mzuku said police had no idea where the firearm was. Fose could not be contacted for comment. —