MAMELODI POLICE CONSTABLE FACING TWO COUNTS OF MURDER AND THREE OF ATTEMPTED MURDER – MAMELODI EAST CAS 60/12/2012

Media Statement
PRETORIA – 18 December 2012

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) arrested a 28 year old police constable, Shadrack Maripane on two counts of murder and three of attempted murder. Constable Maripane is stationed at SAPS Bryntirion PSS (Protection Services).

The police were notified about a shooting incident on 02 December 2012 at about 23:30 at Bafana’s Tavern in Monamane Street, Extension 6 Mamelodi East. Upon their arrival at the tavern, police found that four people had had been shot and wounded. Emergency Services were immediately summoned to the scene to attend to the injured victims. One of the wounded men, Mr Lucky Mathebe was certified dead on the scene. The post mortem later revealed that the deceased was shot twelve times. The other three victims were taken to hospital to receive medical attention. It was later discovered that a male victim, Mr William Matlala was also shot by the constable and died when he was being transported to hospital in a private vehicle belonging to one of the patrons at the pub. Mr Matlala sustained one gunshot wound on his stomach.

It is alleged that the shooting was as a result of an altercation involving the deceased, his girlfriend and the policeman. Constable Maripane apparently had a conversation with the deceased girlfriend, after which the deceased wanted to know what they were talking about. The policeman left the tavern following their differences, he returned about twenty minutes later. He then went up to the deceased, took out a firearm and started shooting. Four other people were also shot and injured.

The policeman fled the scene soon afterwards but handed himself over at the Mamelodi East police station at about 02h00 on 03 December 2012. Constable Maripane appeared at Mamelodi District Court on Friday, 14 December 2012. He was granted bail of R15000.00 with conditions attached. The case was remanded to 22 February 2013. The investigation continues.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate

For enquiries:
IPID National Spokesman
Moses Dlamini
082 809 1927
mdlamini@ipid.gov.za