Pretoria: 1 March 2020 – Yesterday at about 10:30, a police detective attached to Garsfontein SAPS in Gauteng was allegedly killed by the suspect he and his two colleagues were arresting on a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH).
It is reported that three detectives from SAPS Garsfontein followed up on information regarding the suspect who was wanted on a case of assault GBH. On arrival at the corner of Garsfontein and Rubenstein Roads, the members approached the suspect who then started pelting the police with stones. On trying to apprehend the suspect, he (the suspect) managed to grab one of the member’s firearm and fatally shot him. The other members managed to retaliate resulting in the suspect being shot and wounded.
The suspect is currently in hospital under police guard after he sustained a gunshot wound during a shoot-out with police. He will appear in court on charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder as soon as he is medically fit to do so. The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole has condemned the incident and has called on the detectives to ensure that justice prevails in this matter. “The detectives that were with the deceased member must be commended for applying the necessary force to apprehend the man that allegedly attacked them and subsequently killed the detective constable,” said General Sitole.
The National Commissioner is sending Gauteng Senior delegation to convey his condolences to the family of the detective constable. The name of the deceased member will be released as soon as his next of kin has been informed and his family will be afforded the support needed during their time of mourning and beyond. General Sitole has directed the management of the province to further ensure that the colleagues of the deceased member be afforded the necessary debriefing and counseling as prescribed by our Employee Health and Wellness.
In the meantime, in a separate incident shortly after midnight this morning three constables were patrolling in the vicinity of Esakhaleni Shopping Center when they were shot at. Two members were wounded and the third member managed to escape unscathed. One of the constables, a female is in a critical condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to her face and abdomen. No arrests have yet been made in this incident.
The public is encouraged to send crime tip-offs on the MySAPS APP or to contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. All information received will be treated with confidentiality.
