Mazibuko calls for calm in Alex after woman killed in crossfire
The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety Faith Mazibuko has called for calm in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, after a 29-year-old woman was shot and killed in a crossfire between police and a hijacking suspect on Wednesday.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) police officers received a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle before approaching.
Ipid spokesperson Sontage Seisa confirmed that a shootout ensued between the police and the suspects on London Road killing the woman and wounding another bystander.
"In the process the deceased was shot and killed whilst another adult male was also shot and injured and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
"Ipid is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the bystander. We want to find out whether the firearm that killed the deceased was from the police. Our investigation is continuing and we have not identified who the suspect is but we are carrying on with the investigation," he adds.
Following this incident, the community marched to the Alexandra Police Station to demand answers and the arrest of the officer they alleged to have killed the 29-year-old Samantha Radebe.
Community safety spokesperson Pinkie Numa says the MEC has called for the community to allow for the law to take its course.
"MEC Faith Mazibuko would like to plead with the community of Alexandra to remain calm while Ipid is investigating the circumstances pertaining to the shooting.
"The MEC is requesting that the community exercises restraint while it is being established as to whose fire arm shot and killed the deceased."