Hostage drama in Mamelodi leaves constable and nephew dead
A police officer killed his nephew and himself after a hostage standoff that began with a family dispute and ended in tragedy.
A hostage situation in Mamelodi East, northeast of Pretoria, ended in tragedy just before midnight when a Boschkop police constable killed his 18-year-old nephew before turning the gun on himself.
Pretoria Rekord reports that provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the incident began around 08:00 yesterday after Mamelodi East police responded to reports of a family dispute at a Buffelpeer Street, Bavazone, home.
“Upon interviewing witnesses, it was established that the constable fired two shots before the police arrived on the scene and he was refusing to let his 69-year-old mother and 18-year-old nephew out of the house,” said Muridili.
She added that it was later confirmed that only three people were inside the house, including the constable.
Mother released after negotiations
Hostage negotiators managed to secure the release of the constable’s elderly mother at around 23:00.
“She was treated by paramedics on the scene before being transported to hospital,” explained Muridili.
The situation reached its devastating conclusion shortly before midnight, just as Special Task Force (STF) members were preparing to enter the house tactically.
Negotiators were still engaging with the officer when two gunshots rang out from inside.
“Upon entering, the STF members found the body of the constable. As they searched further, they discovered the body of the constable’s nephew with gunshot wounds.”
Constable identified
The deceased officer has been identified as 32-year-old Constable Thapelo Mashigo.
He was stationed at Boschkop Police Station and at the time of the incident was deployed to the regional Essential Infrastructure Task Team.
Mashigo joined the police service in 2019.
Support and investigation
Muridili confirmed that SAPS Employee Health and Wellness personnel were on the scene and will continue to provide psychosocial support to both the family and Mashigo’s colleagues.
“A case of murder, kidnapping, and an inquest will be opened at Mamelodi East Police Station, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate has also been informed.”
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