Chana shooting: Police officer in court over kidnapping
A Silverton police officer was arrested for kidnapping after award-winning hip-hop artist Khuli Chana was shot in Midrand when police mistook him for the kidnapper, police said on Tuesday.
Police have arrested a Silverton police officer on Monday suspected of kidnapping and extortion after officers had earlier accidentally shot and wounded hip-hop star Khuli Chana in a case of mistaken identity, Gauteng police said.
The officer, who is in his thirties, was found in possession of a 9mm pistol. Brigadier Neville Malila confirmed this, adding that the suspect would appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
Meanwhile a manhunt have been launched by police for five other suspects who were still at large.
It all started when a Bedfordview businessman was kidnapped on Sunday around 20:00 from his home during a house robbery
Chana’s car was shot at several times as police chased down suspected kidnappers of a wealthy businessman. Chana was left with injuries to his hand and back.
According to media reports police said that warning shots were fired at Chana’s car as he refused to stop.
The kidnap victim, a Bedfordview businessman, was found in Pretoria. A R100 000 ransom was demanded for his release.
“He was kidnapped after a house robbery and was dropped off in Pretoria. He was then brought to Attridgeville police station unharmed,” said Malila.
The officer was arrested as he allegedly collected the ransom money. He was reportedly charged with kidnapping and extortion.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that police in Midrand are investigating a case of attempted murder after Chana was wounded during the shoot-out.
Chana sustained gunshot wounds and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment.
“A case of attempted murder has been opened for investigation. An internal investigation is being conducted regarding all the circumstances that led to the shooting incident,” said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini.
Police stated that the case docket would be forwarded to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) to determine whether the appropriate level of force was used.
“The investigation by Ipid will provide recommendations as to whether both criminal and departmental investigations should be pursued. The SAPS views the incident in a serious light and will cooperate fully with the Ipid investigation,” said Malila.
Chana was discharged a few hours after the incident and is recovering at home.
