South African Police Services (SAPS) management is calling for an end on police killings after SAPS member died from a gun-shot yesterday, when attending a complaint in Pretoria.
A Warrant officer aged 53 was called by a community member who reported that an identified suspect was pointing at him with a firearm. Upon arrival of an official, suspect continued pointing a firearm recklessly.
National SAPS Commissioner General Khehla Sitole said a fight started, leading to an official being fatally shot. He said a suspect also got injured and was arrested.
“We are sending condolences to family members of the deceased. It is hurtful to SAPS because we have already lost more than 400 officials due to Covid-19 pandemic. Suspect’s firearm was found lying next to him and we took it for ballistic testing, in order to determine whether it has been used for other crimes”, he added.
Sitole urged residents to surrender illegal and unwanted firearms as well as ammunitions.
“Residents in possession of illegal guns should bring them to police stations, before end of second firearms amnesty period on 31 January 2021. They should take this opportunity by handing their firearms for licensing or destruction to avoid facing prosecution. Estate firearms whose owners have died should also be brought forward. Those who will be found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunitions from 1 February 2021 will face charges”, said Sitole.
