Metro police have defended their colleague who shot dead a suspected hijacker in Hercules last Friday.
Police spokesperson Constable Mandlakayise Zwane said the metro police officer was justified in using lethal force.
A man believed to be in his twenties was shot dead during a scuffle.
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Zwane said the metro police flagged down a car during a routine patrol.
“The metro police discovered an Uzi submachine gun, magazine and live ammunition in a tog bag in the car.”
A scuffle ensued as the suspects resisted arrest. A suspect managed to grab hold of the gun and tried to shoot at the police.
The metro officer responded quickly and shot the man dead.
Zwane said according to the criminal procedure act, the amount of force used must always be proportional to the amount of resistance.
“In this case the Uzi gun is classified as a lethal weapon, thus permitting officers to use the same amount of force in the protection of their lives and the lives of members of the community,” said Zwane.
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A case of possession of an unlicensed firearm, the pointing of a firearm, possession of ammunition, resisting arrest and attempted murder were opened.
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