The SAPS has launched a manhunt for a dangerous, awaiting trial prisoner who shot and killed a police officer before escaping from the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court holding cell on Wednesday. The incident took place shortly before 9am.
“Joshua Bomba Shongwane was due to appear in court for criminal proceedings on a serial hijacking case. The SAPS is appealing to members of the public who may see him to contact the police, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous,” said the Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
According to the SAPS, Shongwane was at the court cells when he held up three police officers and pointed a firearm at them.
He took the cell keys and locked them in an office inside the court cells. He allegedly went downstairs, where he shot a police captain and escaped. The officer was shot in the lower body and died at the scene.
“An investigation is in progress to determine how the awaiting trial prisoner got hold of a firearm while he was in the court cells,” said Lt Col Dlamini.
Shongwane was an awaiting trial prisoner for nine hijacking cases committed in Tembisa, Rabie Ridge and Kagiso during 2012.
He escaped from the court cells during 2015 and he was re-arrested.
He is considered to be highly dangerous. Anyone who may see him must contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact the nearest police station.
A reward for information will be issued.
“The province has been robbed of a selfless and dedicated member of the South African Police Service. I am totally disturbed by the brazen attack and disregard of our police officers by these callous criminals. I appeal to the criminal justice system to apprehend the suspect and ensure he receives the harshest sentence. On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the captain’s family, friends and fellow SAPS members,” said the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.
The Tembisa SAPS can be contacted on 011 926-2970, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
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WATCH:
A police captain has been shot and killed at the Tembisa Magistrates Court. #CrimeMustFall
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) October 12, 2016
#StolenGP ~ Police Capt.shot and killed at Tembisa Court this morning
. Suspect still inside the court building…. https://t.co/8H6VQLeAqb— Public Servant (@PublicServantJB) October 12, 2016
