UPDATE:
Spokesperson for the provincial police Lungelo Dlamini said, “Joshua Bomba Shongwane was due to appear for criminal proceedings on a serial hijacking cases. Police are appealing to the members of the public who may see him to contact the police as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.”
Dlamini added, “Shongwane was at the court cells when he held up three police officers and pointed them with a firearm. He took the cell keys and locked them in an office inside the court cells. He allegedly went down stairs where he shot a Captain and escaped. The officer was shot in the lower body and died at the scene.”
An investigation has been launch to determine how the prisoner got hold of a firearm whilst he was in the court cells.
Shongwane was an awaiting trial prisoner for nine hijacking cases committed in Thembisa, Rabie Ridge and Kagiso during 2012. He escaped from the court cells during 2015 and he was re-arrested. He is considered to be highly dangerous.
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“ The province has been robbed of a selfless and dedicated member of the South African Police Service. I am totally disturbed by the brazen attack and disregard of our police officers by these calous criminals. I appeal to the Criminal Justice system to apprehend a suspect and ensure that he receives the harshest sentence. On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the captain’s family, friends and fellow SAPS members”, said MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane.
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Anyone who may see Shongwane must contact Crime Stop at 0860010111 or to contact the nearest police station. A reward for information will be issued.
Initial Report:
The officer was bringing the suspect, who was making his appearance for robbery charges, to the magistrates court when he was disarmed and shot.
https://twitter.com/NkuthaPhumzile/status/786153351465447424
The officer was pronounced dead on the scene by emergency services. According to reports the court house was subsequently shutdown following the shooting.
Police officer shot dead by robber at Tembisa Magistrate’s Court in Ekurhuleni https://t.co/rfTX78qWw6
— Edoardo Camilli (@CamilliEdoardo) October 12, 2016
At this moment provincial police have withheld comment until later today.
This is a developing story and updates will follow.
