IPID has arrested a Reservist Constable for murder and attempted murder – Khuma, North West

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has arrested a 33 year old Reservist Constable for murder and attempted murder. The arrest follows an IPID investigation into the shooting of two men, one of whom died, by the suspect policeman.

It is alleged that on Sunday 04 November 2012 at about 02h00, two police officers, a Reservist Constable and a Constable, stationed at Khuma SAPS Crime Prevention in the North West, were officially on patrol duties visiting taverns in the area to check whether or not they comply with the closing times as set out in their licenses. Along the way, they came across a group of people after which they stopped the police vehicle and alighted. The Reservist Constable allegedly fired a shot towards this group of people with his service pistol. The bullet struck 17 year old Mariti Modungwa on his hand and then proceeded to hit the deceased, 35 year old Benjamin Gulani on the chest and he died on the scene. Two dockets were registered, one of murder and another one of attempted murder.

The IPID conducted an investigation and the 33 year old Reservist Constable was arrested on 04 November 2012 by IPID investigators. He is appearing on 06 November 2012 in the Stilfontein Magistrates Court. The post-mortem is being conducted today at Klerksdorp Government Mortuary.

The investigation continues.

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

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