IPID is investigating the shooting of a security guard by police at a bank in Bothaville, Free State

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the shooting of a security guard by police in Bothaville, Free State. The shooting occurred in the evening of 10 December 2012.

The allegations are that police received a report about intruders inside ABSA Bank. The police responded by rushing to the scene – at the same time security guards from Fidelity in Welkom also rushed to the same scene. The security guards apparently parked their vehicle at the back of the bank whilst the SAPS members were parked at the main entrance in front of the bank. Both the SAPS members and the security guards were armed with pistols and rifles. It is alleged that the security guards approached the main entrance from different angles. As the one security guard was approaching, the two SAPS members who were standing behind a marked SAPS vehicle with flashing lights (in front of the bank) shouted at the security guard to stop. It is alleged that the security guard did not stop but continued running towards the SAPS members with a rifle in his hand – despite a warning shot having been fired. Then the two SAPS members fired shots at the security guard. He died at the scene.

IPID investigators attended the scene and took over the investigation. All the firearms and exhibits were collected for further analysis by the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC). There were no independent witnesses at the scene and no intruders were found inside the bank.

The post mortem was conducted on 11 December 2012 at the Bloemfontein Government Mortuary.

No arrests have been made. The investigation continues

Issued by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

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