The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the death of a man who was killed by a tactical team in a hostage situation. The incident happened at the Jane Furse police station in Limpopo. An enquiry was open on Tuesday to follow up on what happened.
“It is alleged that the deceased entered the Jane Furse police station on March 28 at about 8pm. He grabbed a firearm from the thigh holster of one of the police officers who was executing his community service centre (CSC) duties,” said Lizzy Suping, Ipid spokesperson.
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The suspect held other police officer’s hostage and promised to kill them. Some of the police members from the CSC unit were able to inform other police officers of the hostage situation that was taking place.
“A hostage negotiator was brought in, with members from the tactical response team for backup. The deceased refused to surrender after requests to do so from the hostage negotiator. The Tactical Team entered the office where the deceased was firing the shots from, and police officers retaliated and killed the suspect who held police officer’s captive.,” Suping said.
The deceased is unknown as his identity has not yet been revealed. He was found to be in possession of used Nyaupe sachets and also had a syringe. An inquest has been open and Ipid will be looking into the matter.
Source: News24, Times Live, Review Observer, image from Review Observer
