Cop suspected of robbery shot and killed in Westville
It is alleged the constable who was stationed at Sydenham SAPS was shot by his commander after a shoot-out.
A WESTVILLE police constable, stationed at Sydenham SAPS, was shot and killed by his commander after a shootout yesterday.
The incident unfolded after the constable was recently arrested for his alleged involvement in a Durban North business robbery.
According to KZN police spokesperson, Col Thembeka Mbhele, at about 2.30pm yesterday (19 October), two men broke into a business premises on North Coast Road, Durban North and fled the scene in their getaway vehicle.
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“Security guards who were in the vicinity responded and gave chase. The suspects aged 31 and 35 were apprehended and found in possession of stolen property and house break-in implements. It was later established that one of the suspects was a police officer stationed at Sydenham SAPS and was off-duty when the offence was committed. A case of house break-in was opened for investigation at Greenwood Park SAPS,” said Mbhele.
She said the constable’s commander was contacted and attended to the incident.
“The commander escorted the suspected police officer, who was handcuffed, to his residence in Westville to seize his firearm. It is alleged that while at the suspect’s house, the 31-year-old constable managed to retrieve his gun and pointed it in the direction of his commander. It is alleged the commander then fired shots in the direction of the constable,” she said.
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Acting provincial commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa said he was disturbed by the turn of events.
“We are disappointed to find one of our own police officers being involved in crime and it is sad that he lost his life as a result of his actions. We once again re-iterate our commitment to rooting out corrupt elements within the SAPS and if a police official is suspected of being involved in crime, we will ensure that they do not receive special treatment,” said Langa.
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