Mabopane residents make citizen’s arrest after killing of a police officer
The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service( SAPS) General Tebello Mosikili has commended the community of Mabopane for chasing a suspect and making a citizen’s arrest.
This after an attack on two off-duty police officers in the north of Tshwane.
The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday when a family were ambushed by three males wanting to rob them off their belongings.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says one of the suspects was also fatally wounded.
"Just after midnight in the early hours of Sunday morning, the family was accosted by three males where they were robbed of their belongings. During the ordeal, one suspect and Sergeant Tumelo Losaba were fatally wounded. A manhunt has since been launched for the second suspect who drove off in a Grey Audi A3. At the time of his death, the 41-year-old member was attached to the Rapid Rail Police Unit at the Mabopane Corridor.
"The third suspect ran away on foot, but the brave community of Mabopane came out in their numbers and gave chase, apprehending the 32-year-old suspect. The suspect has been arrested and will be charged with murder and house robbery.
"We have mobilised all our resources to track down the remaining suspect. We also would like to thank the community of Mabopane for being active citizens in the fight against crime , the safety and security of our members on and off duty remains a priority for the SAPS and such management continues to review its policies and strategies in place to enhance police safety."
However, police have reminded the public that – even tough any citizen is allowed to make a citizen’s arrest – it comes with clear guidelines.
“Members of the public are also reminded that in South Africa, any citizen is allowed to effect a citizens arrest. To carry out a citizens arrest, the crime must have happened in your presence or having a reasonable suspicion that the suspect may have committed a crime. The intent of the citizens arrest must be to hand over the suspect to the police.”
Meanwhile, adds Acting National Commissioner Tebello Mosikili says support is given to the family of the killed 41-year old Sergeant.
"Psychologists and Chaplains from the Service’s Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Unit have been dispatched to provide psychosocial services to the family.”
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