Families of
police killing victims live in fear
Friday 8 May 2015 06:15
Ditaba Tsotetsi
The three victims, who were
allegedly suspects in a case, were tortured and shot dead last month. (SABC)
The families of three men allegedly killed by two
police detectives from Springs police station say they are living in fear after
the incident.
The three victims, who were allegedly suspects in a case, were tortured and shot dead last month. Their bodies were discovered in an open field this week after a witness came forward.
One of the officers and an informant, who is also allegedly involved in the killing, appeared at the Carletonville Magistrate's Court on the West Rand on Thursday. The second police man is still on the run.
Constable Thulani Madondo and his unnamed partner with the help of three informants allegedly kidnapped four men on April 17.
He and one of the informants, Mpho Matlala face three counts of murder, one of attempted murder, four of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Police are yet to confirm whether the victims, Andile Ndlovu, Thabiso Mthembu and Tshepo Nhlapo were linked to a murder or business robbery.
The fourth man's identity has been hidden for protection. The alleged suspects were never formally arrested and there is no docket linking them to any crime.
The three victims, who were allegedly suspects in a case, were tortured and shot dead last month. Their bodies were discovered in an open field this week after a witness came forward.
One of the officers and an informant, who is also allegedly involved in the killing, appeared at the Carletonville Magistrate's Court on the West Rand on Thursday. The second police man is still on the run.
Constable Thulani Madondo and his unnamed partner with the help of three informants allegedly kidnapped four men on April 17.
He and one of the informants, Mpho Matlala face three counts of murder, one of attempted murder, four of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice.
Police are yet to confirm whether the victims, Andile Ndlovu, Thabiso Mthembu and Tshepo Nhlapo were linked to a murder or business robbery.
The fourth man's identity has been hidden for protection. The alleged suspects were never formally arrested and there is no docket linking them to any crime.
As family we feel bad because the
police are supposed to be protecting the community of South Africa
Thabiso
Mthembu's cousin, Mpho Mbatha says as a family they feel their lives are also
at risk.
“If you are sitting at home you know your brother has been brutally murdered by a cop, and you get a report that, that cop still has a rifle with him with so many rounds, then you start shaking because you don't know who is he going to go after.”
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, one of the victims was tortured and died from his injuries. The police officers then took him to Pholosong Hospital but the hospital refused to admit him as he had already died.
It is alleged that the deceased was loaded into a police vehicle and taken to Carletonville. The two detectives then allegedly shot at the remaining three men. Two of them died, while one managed to flee and get help.
Another family member of one of the deceased, who did not want his name published, says his family is disappointed at the police for allegedly killing their brother.
“As family we feel bad because the police are supposed to be protecting the community of South Africa. Now they are doing wrong things. The family would to see justice be done against those police officers who are doing wrong things.”
Police are working to trace the second detective who is on the run, armed with an R-5 rifle, believed to have been used in the killings.
“If you are sitting at home you know your brother has been brutally murdered by a cop, and you get a report that, that cop still has a rifle with him with so many rounds, then you start shaking because you don't know who is he going to go after.”
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, one of the victims was tortured and died from his injuries. The police officers then took him to Pholosong Hospital but the hospital refused to admit him as he had already died.
It is alleged that the deceased was loaded into a police vehicle and taken to Carletonville. The two detectives then allegedly shot at the remaining three men. Two of them died, while one managed to flee and get help.
Another family member of one of the deceased, who did not want his name published, says his family is disappointed at the police for allegedly killing their brother.
“As family we feel bad because the police are supposed to be protecting the community of South Africa. Now they are doing wrong things. The family would to see justice be done against those police officers who are doing wrong things.”
Police are working to trace the second detective who is on the run, armed with an R-5 rifle, believed to have been used in the killings.
