Polokwane police seek help in identifying ‘Nkosinathi’
The copper cable thief shot and killed by an on-duty officer in Suid Street on Sunday morning is known only as 'Nkosinathi' to police informants.
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane police are appealing to the public to help identify the family of a man, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, who was shot and killed by an on-duty officer during a business burglary in Suid Street early Sunday morning.
Read more: Copper cable thief shot and killed by security guards in Polokwane
The suspect, known only as ‘Nkosinathi’ to police informants, was caught red-handed cutting copper cables at a business premises.
He is estimated to be 1.75m tall.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, the business owner was alerted by an alarm and rushed to the scene, where he found the suspect in the act.
When confronted, the suspect allegedly brandished a knife and threatened the owner.
Security officers arrived shortly thereafter and ordered the suspect to surrender, but he resisted and continued to threaten them with the knife. The suspect then attempted to flee by jumping over walls and moving from house to house in a desperate bid to escape.
“During the pursuit, the suspect engaged in a dangerous confrontation, prompting officers to take action to ensure public safety,” Ledwaba explained.
The chase ended when the suspect was shot by security guards after a confrontation. It was also discovered that he had fallen through a rooftop during the chase.
At the time of his death, ‘Nkosinathi’ was wearing blue pants, a white shirt, and a blue and brown jacket.
Those who encountered him noted that his accent suggested he was not from Limpopo, but possibly from another South African province, such as KwaZulu-Natal or the Eastern Cape.
Police are urging anyone with information that could help identify the deceased or locate his family to contact detective WO Phillip Wolhuter at 082 729 0171.
Or use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPSApp.
