POLOKWANE – The police in Mankweng have opened cases of murder, six counts of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition after a 50-year-old woman, who was held hostage by a 33-year-old man, was shot dead and her 16-year-old daughter shot and injured this afternoon, 28 March 2021. The hostage taker was in turn fatally wounded by the police.

The police were called to a hostage situation at gaMatsea village next to the University of Limpopo at about 15:00 and on arrival, shots were allegedly fired from within the house. In the process, the injured 16-year-old girl managed to escape through the window and was taken to hospital.

The hostage negotiators of the South African Police Service and members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) soon arrived at the scene and immediately took positions to deal with the matter. Every time an attempt was made by the police to approach the house, shots were allegedly fired at them from the house. After about three hours of attempting to negotiate with the hostage taker, a decision was then taken to penetrate the house.

It is believed that the hostage taker shot and killed the woman and then hid in the bathroom. He seemingly continued firing at the police when they penetrated the house, allegedly damaging one of their shields. He was then fatally shot.

Preliminary police investigations revealed that the firearm belongs to his brother who is a member of the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

The shooting by members of the South African Police Service has been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

The motive for the incident has not been determined yet and police investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service