Arrested robber shot dead at police station

The death of an armed robber in the holding cells at Amanzimtoti SAPS is cause for an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

According to Amanzimtoti SAPS communications officer, Capt Charlene Van Der Spuy the robber was arrested on Friday on charges of business robbery, two counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of unlicensed ammunition. The crime occurred at AK Superette on Kingsway in Winklespruit.

“On Sunday, 15 June the investigating officer booked the suspect out from the holding cells at Amanzimtoti SAPS in order to obtain his warning statement and fingerprints,” said Capt Van Der Spuy.

“After the warning statement and fingerprints was obtained and signed by the suspect, the investigating officer was trying to handcuff him to take him out for further investigation. The man pushed the officer and attempted to take his firearm.

A struggle occurred during which time the man got hold of the officer’s holster. However, the officer had already pulled his firearm from his holster.

He verbally warned the man, but he kept on advancing towards him. He fired a shot in the suspect’s leg.

As the suspect kept on advancing towards him, he fired further shots and the suspect fell to the ground. An ambulance was called out and the paramedic declared the suspect dead on their arrival.”