A domestic hostage situation in Mamelodi East ended in tragedy on Monday night when a police constable fatally shot his teenage nephew before turning the gun on himself.
The incident unfolded early in the morning, around 08:00, when officers from Mamelodi East SAPS responded to reports of gunfire and a family dispute at a home in the area.
Witnesses told police that Constable Thapelo Mashigo, 32, had fired two shots and was refusing to allow his 69-year-old mother and nephew to leave the house.
Police confirmed that three people were inside the home: Mashigo, his mother, and his nephew.
Hostage Negotiations and Outcome
Hostage negotiators were deployed and, after 16 hours of efforts, managed to secure the release of Mashigo’s elderly mother at 23:00.
She was treated on the scene and later transported to hospital.
Shortly before midnight, as members of the Special Task Force (STF) prepared to breach the property, two gunshots were heard from inside.
Upon entering, officers found Constable Mashigo dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His 18-year-old nephew was also found with fatal gunshot wounds.
Investigation Underway
A case of murder, kidnapping, and an inquest has been opened at Mamelodi East Police Station.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for investigation.
Mashigo was stationed at Boschkop Police Station and was serving with the Essential Infrastructure Task Team.
He had joined the South African Police Service (SAPS) in 2019.
Support for Family and Colleagues
The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit was present at the scene and is providing ongoing psychological support to the affected family and Mashigo’s colleagues.
The South African Police Service has urged members of the public and law enforcement personnel to seek help when facing emotional or psychological challenges, and reiterated the availability of internal wellness services.
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