Hostage drama leaves two dead, one injured
SAPS Hostage negotiators and members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) were on the scene in Mankweng, says the police.
POLOKWANE –Â A 50-year-old mother was shot and killed and her 16-year-old daughter injured, after they were kidnapped and taken hostage on Sunday, 28 March. Another victim, Sarah Mokwela (25), who is believed to be related to the daughter, was shot and killed beforehand.
Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo explained that the deceased hostage taker, Joel Masila (33) kidnapped the trio during separate incidents earlier the day. “On Sunday afternoon the police were called to a hostage situation at gaMatsea village next to the University of Limpopo. On arrival at the scene the members were fired on by a shooter from within the house during which the daughter escaped through a window. “She had sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment.”
Maojeplo added that hostage negotiators of the South African Police Service and members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) were on the scene to deal with the matter. “After about three hours of attempting to negotiate with the hostage taker, a decision was then taken to storm the house and amid shooting from both parties the suspect was shot and killed in a bathroom.”
The body of the mother was later found. It is believed he shot her before he hid in the bathroom,” he added.
During the drama, police were notified about yet another kidnapping by the same suspect. “Family members of Sarah Mokwela alleged she was kidnapped from her home at around 07:00 and was last seen being led into the bushes.” A search operation was launched and the body of the deceased was found in the bushes. She had a gunshot wound to her head.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the firearm used during both murders belongs to the deceased man’s brother who is a member of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).
The motive for the hostage has not been determined yet and police investigations are continuing.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will investigate reports of shooting by members of the South African Police Service.
