Ipid seizes firearms in Wits death investigation, weapons to be sent for ballistic tests
"During the preliminary investigation the Directorate has managed to collect numerous witness statements, to confiscate firearms, and the same will be taken for ballistic analysis."
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) says its investigators are"working around the clock" to process "voluminous evidence" gathered on Wednesday following a shooting in Braamfontein.
The shooting led to the death of a 35-year-old bystander during a protest by students at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) over financial exclusion.
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According to Ipid's Ndileka Cola, it is alleged that the young man who is a civilian, who was not part of the protest had just left the Dr’s rooms when he was allegedly shot by the police officers.
"During the preliminary investigation the Directorate has managed to collect numerous witness statements, to confiscate firearms, and the same will be taken for ballistic analysis," she said.
She would not divulge if the firearms were used to shoot live ammunition or rubber bullets, saying that the investigation would reveal this.
A post mortem is to be conducted later this week to determine the actual cause of death, she added, citing that family liaison has started and the investigation continues.