WATCH: SAPS members allegedly execute suspect
Gauteng police have opened an internal investigation following graphic video footage that emerged, showing a police constable shooting a suspect lying on the ground in Lewisham, Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg, provincial police said on Sunday.
“Sector members from Krugersdorp responded to a complaint of a suspicious vehicle parked outside a business premises in Lewisham. The incident happened on October 20 in the afternoon,” Gauteng police said in a statement.
On arrival at the scene, officers found a Toyota Conquest with two occupants inside. The suspects fired shots at the police and the police returned fire. The officers then called for back-up.
One suspect managed to escaped in the Conquest while the other fled on foot. Police officers chased the man on foot, and a further shoot-out ensued, and the “suspect was fatally wounded”. The firearm used by the suspect was recovered and had been stolen from a security guard in Moroka, Soweto, the statement said.
WARNING: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC SCENES.
“An inquest docket was initially opened. However, the charges were later changed to murder. The second suspect was taken in for questioning [a] few days later and was later released.”
Gauteng provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Lesetja Mothiba said no stone would be left unturned during the investigation.
“He said if members are found to have acted unlawfully, they will be brought to book,” the statement said.