Community of Alexandra asked to allow IPID investigate Samantha Radebe’s death
ALEXANDRA – The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko pleaded with the community of Alexandra to remain calm while IPID is investigating the circumstances pertaining to the shooting.
Following the death of 31-year-old Samantha Radebe on 15 January, the Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko has condemned the incident and asked the community of Alexandra to allow the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) to do proper investigations.
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In a released statement, Mazibuko said preliminary reports confirmed that Radebe was shot and killed in a crossfire between police and a suspect who is in police custody in Alexandra, on 15 January 2020. “It is also reported that another innocent bystander, a man, was also caught in the crossfire and was left critically wounded. Community members and the family of the deceased are alleging that she was shot by a police officer,” said Mazibuko.
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Mazibuko noted that on 16 January, community members marched to the Alexandra Police Station seeking answers and to have the officer that is alleged to have killed Radebe arrested.
“An inquest is being conducted by Independent Police Investigative Directorate to establish the facts around this incident. The police have confirmed that the firearms used by the officers during the shootout have been taken away from the officers and booked in for ballistic testing.
“I wish to send my condolences to the family of Samantha Radebe who met her untimely death during the crossfire with the police and a suspect. My heart is with her family, her husband and the young children she left behind. I would also like to wish the man who is in hospital a speedy recovery,” said Mazibuko.
She pleaded with the community of Alexandra to remain calm while IPID is investigating the circumstances pertaining to the shooting. “Until it has been established whose firearm shot and killed Radebe, I would like to request that the community exercise restraint. I can assure the community that if it is found that the bullet that killed Radebe was fired by the officer, the law will take its course without fear or favour, and appropriate action will be taken.”
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