By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
SA Police Services (SAPS) have confirmed that 32-year-old Constable Thapelo Mashigo, who had been holding members of his family hostage inside a house in Buffer Zone, was found dead alongside his 18-year-old nephew after gunfire erupted late at night.
The standoff started around 8 am on Tuesday when police from Mamelodi East responded to reports of a family dispute.
Fullview learnt through a family member that Mashigo found out that the child he has with his girlfriend is not his – but is his brother’s and the 69 year-old mother knew about the affair including the paternity of the child.
It is understood he shot and killed his 18-year-old nephew and then turned the gun on himself.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said, hostage negotiators managed to get the constable to release his elderly mother from the house at 11pm.
She was treated by paramedics on the scene before being transported to the hospital for further treatment.
The hostage situation was resolved just before midnight, when the Special Task Force (STF) members were about to tactically penetrate the house, Muridili.
Upon entering the house, the STF members found the body of the constable. As they searched the house further, they discovered the body of the constable’s 18-year-old nephew with gunshot wounds,” Muridili said.
Muridili added that Saps Employee Health and Wellness were on the scene and will continue to provide the family and the constable’s colleagues with psychosocial support.
“A case of murder, kidnapping, as well as an inquest, will be registered at the Mamelodi East Police Station. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will be informed.”
Muridili, the 32-year-old constable was based at Boschkop police station and was deployed at the regional Essential Infrastructure Task Team.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola says the organisation continues to prioritise the mental health and well-being of officers.
Counselling and trauma debriefing are available to members 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all provinces.
“The Saps Employee Health and Wellness follows an integrated approach utilising psychology professionals, social workers, chaplains and medical administration practitioners to provide support and assistance to employees of Saps and their families, Masemola said.