A Kraaifontein police officer who allegedly committed the crimes with his service weapon is the subject of an ongoing investigation, according to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
In a statement released on Friday, July 22, IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping stated that the Directorate welcomes the decision to deny the suspect bail by the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on July 15. Both IPID and the National Prosecuting Authority opposed the bail request.
The IPID spokesperson said: “It is alleged that the suspect was visiting family at Kraaifontein and without any provocation he (the officer) started to shoot randomly at the victims and thereafter fled the scene”.
On May 24, the Kraaifontein police officer was arrested after turning himself in to Philippi police. Since then, he has been in police detention.
The shooting’s motive is still unknown. A second victim was shot five times and transferred to a hospital for treatment; the deceased victim was shot three times in the back. A third victim was able to flee without being injured.
On September 8, the suspect is anticipated to make his next court appearance. The IPID investigation is still ongoing.