TSHILWAVHUSIKU – A case of murder is being investigated against a police sergeant, after a shooting incident last Sunday near the Kutama railway station.

A Zimbabwean citizen, Mr Armstrong Maphosa, who, according to bystanders, is well known in the community, was killed instantly in the incident. Different versions of the incident were given by bystanders and by a police spokesperson.

According to a bystander at the scene, a police vehicle approached a group of people who were relaxing in the shade. Several Zimbabwean citizens, who were in the vicinity, ran for cover when they noticed the police. According to the report, one of the fleeing, unarmed Zimbabweans appeared from behind a building. A policeman, who was giving chase, fired several shots at the Zimbabwean, killing him instantly. A bystander said there was no apparent reason for the shooting.

According to a spokesperson at the area communications department of the SAPS, the police were investigating a complaint of housebreaking, which involved the stealing of corrugated iron. At the scene they noticed ten Zimbabweans who ran away and jumped a nearby fence. One of the fleeing Zimbabweans, who had not cleared the fence, remained behind. The police say the remaining Zimbabwean then started throwing stones at the police, where-upon a policeman allegedly fired warning shots. The Zimbabwean continued throwing stones at the armed policeman, who then shot him in the neck.

On searching the body, the police found a piece of paper with the name of the deceased and a CR number, indicating that he was supposed to appear in court.