Police commissioner negotiates surrender of armed man after standoff in Polokwane
Seven weapons, including an AK-47, were recovered inside a townhouse in Limpopo after a man reportedly threatened to shoot residents.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers has revealed how he negotiated the surrender of an armed man who barricaded himself inside his home at Monet Townhouses in Polokwane yesterday (October 11), reports Polokwane Review.
The incident prompted concern after voice notes circulated among residents reporting a man armed with what was described as an automatic rifle, allegedly threatening people and firing shots in the area.
In one voice note shared with Review Online, a resident appealed for police assistance, saying: “Can someone please send police to Monet Complex, the guy is walking around here with an automatic rifle in his hand, and he’s threatening people, please.”
In another voice note, a resident reported gunfire saying, “Someone is shooting a gun in General De La Rey Street. They’ve been shooting for quite a while now. I don’t know if they’re acting or what.”
The scene drew a security response, with the area cordoned off and police, members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Polokwane Buurtwag, some wearing bulletproof vests and carrying firearms, positioned in the area. A Nyala armoured vehicle also arrived at the scene.
When Review Online arrived at the scene, claims suggested a possible hostage situation involving the suspect’s mother.
However, Scheepers has since clarified that there was no hostage situation.
According to the commissioner, the suspect barricaded himself inside his home and threatened to shoot everyone.
Commissioner negotiates suspect’s surrender
Scheepers said he made contact with the suspect from inside the complex and asked him to come outside.
The suspect responded: “Oom, I know who you are; I will come out.”
Approximately 20 minutes later, the suspect dropped his weapons and surrendered.
Seven weapons found inside home
Scheepers confirmed that seven weapons were found inside the home, including an AK-47.
No injuries were reported during the incident.
The suspect is currently detained at Polokwane Police Station.
Scheepers said the incident was not as serious as social media reports had suggested.
Further details about what led to the incident and the charges the suspect may face had not been confirmed at the time of publication.
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