Pretoria, Tuesday 17 January 2017: The South African Police Service (SAPS) has noted the contents of video material circulating online depicting the fatal shooting of a police officer during an armed robbery in Katlehong, Gauteng.
Constable Tshepo Tladi, 35 years of age, died in hospital after being shot during an armed robbery in Twala Section, Katlehong North on Thursday, 12 January 2017, just after 01:00<x-apple-data-detectors://2>.
The Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane, has sanctioned both misconduct and criminal investigations, in collaboration with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), focusing on the members who were on the scene to ensure that those responsible for the fatal shooting of the late Constable Tladi are dealt with accordingly.
An internal investigation is also underway with a view to instituting disciplinary action against any member/s found to have committed an offence or contravened SAPS regulations.
“We are extremely shocked and disturbed by the video footage which we have seen and which is circulating online,” said Lieutenant General Phahlane.
Should there be evidence to prove that police members tampered with the scene or that there was any type of a cover-up, there will certainly be judicial consequences.
“The insensitivity of the media in circulating a traumatic video of this nature is conspired sensational journalism and unfortunate. That the late member’s family has been subjected to the trauma of witnessing his death through viral video footage is regrettable and we extend our deepest condolences to them. We will ensure that justice prevails,” said Lt Gen Phahlane.
