Four police officers linked to the cold-blooded killing of a suspected criminal are set to spend the night behind bars at the same police station where they served.
The four officers handed themselves in together
The three male and one female officer voluntarily handed themselves in after a warrant was issued for their arrest following the making public of CCTV footage that appears to show robbery suspect Khulekani Mpanza being shot in the arm while running away after he allegedly fired shots at a police van.
The video appears to show Mpanza drop his firearm and fall to the ground where a policeman shoots him. Another policeman appears to approach Mpanza and kick him. There then follows another shot, apparently to the head, which is believed to be the fatal injury.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), before Mpanza was shot dead he had attempted to rob a paint and hardware store. A female officer responding to the robbery was allegedly shot as she tried to apprehend the suspect.
IPID spokesman Grace Langa said Mpanza allegedly fled the scene, opening fire on officers in a patrol van. Another police vehicle joined the chase, with the officers in this vehicle eventually shooting Mpanza dead.
The four officers are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (Tuesday, November 3) charged with murder. A charge of “defeating the ends of justice” could also be added.
