Police appeal for information after man shot dead at alleged Alexandra gambling spot
Alexandra police urge community members to come forward with information on a fatal morning shooting along Joe Nhlanhla Street, promising strict confidentiality to informants.
Police are appealing to the Alexandra community for information following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man on the morning of September 26.
Alexandra Police Station commander Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane said the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and was declared dead at the scene.
He said preliminary reports indicate that the victim was allegedly gambling at a spot along Joe Nhlanhla Street.
Read more: Two arrested in Alex for fatal shooting
Despite the shooting happening at a popular gathering area, no witness has come forward.
“There were people around who saw everything; it is just that they do not want to tell the police,” Ngubane said. He confirmed that the police have opened a murder docket following the shooting.
Police are appealing to the community to share information, even anonymously, saying such details will assist investigations.
Concerns over informant protection
The appeal comes amid growing local concerns over the protection of informants in Alexandra. Some residents have previously said they fear they may become known to suspects as soon as they report them to the police.
Alexandra resident Edwin Seleke raised the issue at a community meeting on September 26, questioning what protections exist to prevent informants from being targeted.
“What are you [police] promising us when it comes to whistle-blowers in terms of protection? Because somebody will be there to report an issue of crime and tomorrow this person will be dead or attacked,” he said.
Also read: Shooting in Alexandra leaves one dead and six injured
Police respond to safety concerns
In response, Ngubane said police do protect their informants and keep information about them as confidential as possible. “I must protect you. I am not going to call you to testify in court. Everything must be confidential,” he said.
He said there is no way suspects can know who police informants are, acknowledging that police need to work hard to build trust with residents to make sharing information easier.
Ngubane added that financial rewards are also available depending on the information provided, noting there is money for being an informer.
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