Policemen implicated in locals’ murders

Two constables from Springs SAPS have been implicated after three murder suspects were killed on 17 April.

The officers, accompanied by three informers, were apparently looking for the four suspects in Carletonville. The first suspect was found, and later died after being tortured. With the deceased in tow, they continued their search for the other three suspects. After finding them, they took them to a secluded area and shot them with R5 rifles. One suspect managed to escape and later informed the police of the incident. A constable and three informers were arrested on 5 May.

The Gauteng MEC for community safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, was outraged at the brutal killing of the murder suspects. “Such conduct can never be tolerated in the police service. Neither the code of conduct for public servants, the oath taken to protect and serve, nor the Batho Pele principles make room for such behaviour. No officers should ever take the law into their own hands,” he said.

A case of murder has been opened against the police suspects, one of which is still at large. “I also want to take this opportunity to commend the actions of the individual who spilt the beans in this matter. It is only through such cooperation between citizens and the police that we will root out acts of misconduct in the public service,” the MEC concluded.