FOUR people were shot by a Flying Squad police officer on December 5.
Two of the victims were confirmed dead at the scene, while the other two are recovering in hospital.
The officer randomly opened fire on two City Deep residents after an alleged altercation at about 10am on the day.
Police have confirmed the man was an off-duty Flying Squad officer.
Spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo said the officer had an alleged altercation with the victims and shot two of them, who died instantly. Two other victims were somehow caught in the crossfire.
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Masondo said police arrived to find the officer still armed and wearing a police bulletproof vest.
“Upon arrival, the off-duty officer shot at police, who retaliated. They wounded him and he was taken to hospital.”
Masondo said a case of murder was opened.
The officer was confirmed dead by noon on Tuesday after he was said to be critical.
The Johannesburg Social Housing Company (Joshco) issued a statement urging City Deep residents to co-operate fully with the police to allow the investigation to be successfully concluded.
“Anyone with information is urged to contact the police or Capt Masondo directly on 071 608 5490,” read Joshco’s statement.
Joshco said they and the SAPS would provide support to the families of the victims, as well as to residents and Joshco staff who witnessed the incident.
Shooting at everyone
When the COURIER arrived at the scene, shocked residents were still talking about the movie-like scenario that had played out right on their doorsteps. There was talk of distrust in the police, as well as speculation that the gunman was targeting anyone in sight.
Police disputed this, however, citing an altercation as the reason the man had opened fire.
Some of the residents said the officer yelled when he opened fire and randomly took shots at locals.
Most claimed the man had some business at the flats where the shooting took place. Others claimed he lived there.
The city and DA Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame offered condolences to the victims and their families and will be paying a visit to the surviving victims.
Also Read: UPDATE: Killer cop dies in hospital after killing two
Crucial questions need answers and an ongoing investigation will hopefully yield closure as to why the officer apparently targeted locals as well as the police.
The COURIER is busy with extensive investigations into the personal details of the unnamed officer, who was wearing police regalia but was apparently off-duty.
What was the officer doing at the flat? Was he preparing to go to work or coming from work? Why was he in uniform and armed when he was off-duty? Why did he not cease fire when his colleagues arrived at the scene?
The COURIER invites locals with information that might assist the police with their investigations to contact police Capt Masondo on 071 608 5490 or WhatsApp or contact our reporter Gopolang Chawane on 078 070 2541.
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