The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Adv) Meshack Nogwanya had condemned the senseless killing of a 22-year-old woman by a police constable in Vosman near Witbank.
Reports revealed that the young woman, her friends and the 33 year-old off-duty police were all patrons at the tavern in Vosman on November 30 around 02:00. Preliminary probe by the police suggests that the constable had a heated argument with another patron wherein they both agreed to go outside. It is said that the constable went outside, the other patron did not go and instead the young woman followed the constable outside.
The police has since uncovered that the constable fatally shot the woman immediately she stepped outside. At this stage it is not clear what the motive for her killing was.
Nogwanya is said to be saddened by the ultimate death of this young woman at the hands of a police official who has sworn to serve and protect the citizens of South Africa.
This happens a day after the province officially launched the campaign of 16 Days of No Violence against women and children.
“It is totally unacceptable that police officials take their guns to taverns. It is also unlawful to do so hence we have now lost a life through such conduct. I wish to take this opportunity to send a stern warning to members of SAPS to behave in accordance with the Code of Conduct. On behalf of SAPS management, we pass our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I give the family my assurance that this constable will face the full might of the law”, said Nogwanya.
The police constable has since handed himself over to Vosman Police Station and the case is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Major General (Adv) has said the internal investigation against the constable is underway.
