UPDATE: IPID investigates death of man shot by police

A case of murder was opened and is currently being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), after a man was shot dead by Etwatwa police.

Nkosinathi Matshe (40) was shot dead on September 25, in Etwatwa Extension Seven.

“Residents help me, police officers want to kill me.”

According to family, those were the last words of the late Nkosinathi Matshe, who was shot dead by Etwatwa police officers during the early hours of September 27.

Nkosinathi’s younger brother, Musawenkosi Matshe, who witnessed the incident, said he was sleeping when he heard voices outside.

“When I went to look, I saw two police officers dragging my brother outside his shack,” said Musawenkosi.

“When they dragged him out of the house, one of the officers took out a gun and starting beating him up. He then defended himself.”

Musawenkosi said he asked them what was going on.

He said the police officers accused Nkosinathi of stealing a television and demanded it back.

“As my brother was defending himself, one of the officers shouted ‘Let’s shoot this guy, he’s stubborn,’” said Musawenkosi.

“He told police to search his room, which they didn’t do.”

Musawenkosi said three gunshots were fired.

The 40-year-old man was shot in his upper body and died on the scene.

One of the neighbours, who would like to remain anonymous, said the whole community is shocked and saddened by his death.

“He was a very helpful person and never caused trouble for anyone,” said the neighbour.

“He also did my garden, fixed appliances and always lent a hand anywhere he could.”

Nkosinathi was a mechanic and he left behind his one-month-old baby, Nkosana.

When police were asked about the incident, the Etwatwa SAPS spokesperson, Capt Pheello Mothapo said a complainant had opened a case of housebreaking and theft.

“Police and the complainant went to the deceased’s house to ask him about the television,” said Mothapo.

“When police tried to arrest Nkosinathi, he got into a struggle with one of the police officers over a gun.”

Mothapo added that when the deceased bit the officer’s hand and got possession of the gun, the other police officer shot him in his upper body.

Ipid did not give further comment at the time of going to print.