Shock after hostage drama as police encouraged to reach out

Mamelodi residents are in shock after a hostage drama which unfolded this week that left 2 people dead.

This follows a 15-hour hostage situation in Mamelodi East, section Buffer Zone, which ended in tragedy just before midnight on September 9.

The drama involved a Boschkop police constable, 32-year-old Thapelo Mashigo, who killed his 18-year-old nephew before turning the gun on himself.

His 69-year-old mother was released through the assistance of the SAPS special task force negotiators before he fatally wounded himself.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that the incident began around 08:00 on Tuesday after Mamelodi East police responded to reports of a family dispute at a Buffelpeer Street home.

“Upon interviewing witnesses, it was established that the constable fired two shots before the police arrived on the scene. 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.

Hostage negotiators managed to secure the release of the constable’s elderly mother 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 the Special Task Force (STF) unit was preparing to enter the house.

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.”

The police opened a case of murder, kidnapping, and an inquest at Mamelodi East police station, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has also been informed.

Mashigo had joined the police service in 2019.

Mamelodi East resident Celia Nhlapho believes police officers are going through a lot and said they should stop bottling things up inside.

Nhlapho said police officers seriously need to consider the in-house employee and health services.

She pleaded with the SAPS to make it compulsory for all police officers to make use of these services twice a year.

“We are living in a society where it’s very hard for a person to admit that he/she has a problem and desperately need help,” she said.

Another resident, Phillip Seloka said police officers desperately need counselling because of their job of fighting crime.

“They go through a lot, such as police shootouts, they see dead bodies at crime scenes, etc.

“Counselling will help them cope and know their weaknesses,” said Seloka.

National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, said: “This ordeal sadly led to the unfortunate situation where the constable fatally shot his nephew and turned the gun on himself”.

Masemola said the police are doing all they can to ensure members’ mental health and well-being are prioritised.

He explained the SAPS follows an integrated approach to provide support and assistance to employees and their families using psychology professionals, social workers, chaplains and medical administration practitioners. The employees are continuously made aware of the services and the support in proactive and reactive services that can be provided.

These awareness drives take place during station lectures, parades and awareness days, such as Mental Health Month, World AIDS Day, International Day for People with disabilities, 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign and many more. SAPS also partners with Polmed and Gems (Government Employees Medical Scheme) to ensure its employees have access to external specialists and services that can cater for their needs.

Masemola further encouraged all SAPS employees across the country to prioritise their health and mental well-being by undergoing health screenings and check-ups regularly, as well as attending debriefing sessions. “This is vital for early detection of potential health issues, allowing for timely intervention and avoiding complications by managing conditions more effectively, resulting in better overall health and well-being. As management, we are here to support you,” he concluded.

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