Benonian sees man shoot himself

The Benoni resident who saw a police officer allegedly shoot himself dead in Boksburg on November 30, is considering his legal options - as he said he was wrongfully arrested.

Anton Koen.

The police officer driving a Polo, is believed to have shot himself dead, as the car was coming to a standstill.

Anton Koen, the owner of Benoni CBD-based No Jack Vehicle Tracking, said his employees picked up on the Auto Number Plate Recovery System, that the VW had been stolen in Honeydew in 2015.

According to Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sgt Cebisa Maseko, Capt Det Chetty of Moroka Police Station was reportedly driving along Rondebult Road, when the anti-hijack members flagged him down.

“It was reported that Chetty continued to drive, leading the members on a high-speed chase along the road,” said Maseko.

“The chase continued on Rondebult Road and ended next to the Checkers Hyper, after one of the members involved, shot out the tyres of the cop’s silver Polo Vivo.”

Koen said he responded to a call for backup and chased after the police officer, noting the person was driving through intersections reaching up to 150km/h.

“We realised we had to stop him, or else somebody would die,” said Koen.

Koen fired shots at the wheels and engine of the car.

On Rondebult Road – as the car was nearing a stop – the officer allegedly shot himself.

“The car had just stopped and as I turned, I saw him pop himself,” Koen added.

Koen said the tragic incident left him wondering why somebody would kill himself for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

Koen said paramedics on scene had confirmed the officer had committed suicide, but then he was arrested and spent the night in police custody.

The case wasn’t placed on a court roll and Koen was released the following day.

He said his legal team is considering opening a case of wrongful arrest and for damages.

“My family went through hell; especially my wife and children,” he explained.

It’s unclear if the police will proceed with the case.