Felled by friendly fire
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a case of culpable homicide.
A police officer was accidently shot and killed in the line of duty by a colleague in Bhobhoyi last Sunday evening.
Public Order Police (POP) Sergeant Sbusiso Yeni was gunned during an operation at about 22:00.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a case of culpable homicide after a Port Shepstone K9 unit officer accidentally shot two colleagues, killing one (Yeni) and injuring another during the operation.
It was reported that the POP and the Port Shepstone K-9 Unit had conducted an operation to locate a person allegedly involved in a domestic violence issue.
Six POP and two K9 officers responded to the complaint.
At the time of the incident, IPID confirmed that the eight police officers were performing a tactical manoeuvre at a house to subdue a person allegedly involved in the domestic issue.
A stun grenade was placed inside one of the rooms. The K9 female officer allegedly thought they were under attack and opened fire using an R-5 rifle. She shot two of her colleagues, killing Yeni and injuring a K-9 unit member.
The injured officer is believed to be in a stable condition in hospital.
It is believed that the person who was allegedly found at the house in Bhobhoyi and possibly involved in the domestic issue was taken in for questioning. Police found 12 spent R-5 rounds, one live R-5 round and a stun grenade at the scene.
The National Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, has called on all law enforcement teams to exercise utmost caution in planning and executing operations, particularly those involving high-risk situations.
Mchunu also conveyed his sympathies and called for caution after the tragic incident. “Our thoughts are with the family of the POP member who lost his life in this unfortunate incident. We also send our prayers for the full recovery of the K9 officer. We remain committed to supporting those impacted by this tragedy and will do everything possible to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. We urge IPID to expedite their inquiries to provide clarity and closure to all affected parties as soon as possible.”
Further information on Yeni could not be obtained from the local Saps communications department.
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