Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has extended his sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of a cop who a colleague in Boboyi, KwaZulu-Natal, accidentally shot.
The incident happened on Sunday night, 3 November.
KWAZULU-NATAL COP ACCIDENTALLY SHOT DEAD BY COLLEAGUE
Police ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the incident happened when eight police officers from the Public Order Police and the Port Shepstone K-9 Unit conducted an operation in response to a complaint involving an alleged domestic violence issue.
In the course of a tactical manoeuvre, a stun grenade was deployed in one of the rooms. Tragically, a misinterpretation of the situation led a female officer to believe her team was under attack, resulting in her discharging an R-5 rifle, which led to the death of a cop and injuries to another.
In conveying his sympathies, Mchunu said their thoughts are especially with the family of the Public Order Police member who lost his life in this unfortunate event.
“We also pray for the full recovery of the K-9 Unit member who sustained injuries. We remain committed to supporting those impacted by this tragedy and will do everything possible to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
IPID PROBING FATAL SHOOTING
Additionally, Mchunu called for caution in the execution of operations.
Mchunu said they have been informed by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) that a full investigation is underway to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“We urge IPID to expedite their inquiries to provide clarity and closure to all affected parties as soon as possible. This investigation is essential in ensuring accountability and learning valuable lessons to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We call on all law enforcement teams to exercise utmost caution in planning and executing operations, particularly those involving high-risk situations. It is vital to reinforce protocols, ensure clear communication, and employ the highest safety standards to protect our officers and their communities.”
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