THOHOYANDOU – Police in Thohoyandou have opened a murder case following the death of an 18-year-old man, who was shot and killed while allegedly busy pick pocketing.

Police spokesperson Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said the young man was seen pick-pocketing, in between Thohoyandou shopping Centre, by a police officer who was going to work at about 16:30 on Tuesday afternoon. "The officer then confronted the man and he allegedly picked up a brick and hit the policeman in the face. The policeman then fired a warning shot before he shot the boy in the chest," said Mushavhanamadi.

Mushavhanamadi said they have opened a case of attempted murder against the deceased and a one of murder against the police officer. The deceased was still to be identified at the time of going to press. The police in Thohoyandou have also opened an inquest docket following the death of a suspect who was awaiting trial.

Police spokesperson Captain Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said Mpho Bulannga (34), who was arrested for malicious damage to property, was found hanging in his cell. Mushavhanamadi said police found Bulannga and others safe in the cells when they checked at 09:45 on Sunday morning, May 9. "When police went back to the cells at 10:30, they found that Bulannga was hanging from the cell roofing. His shirt was around his neck," said Mushavhanamadi.

A doctor was called to come and inspect the body and the Independent Complaints Directorate was also informed, said Mushavhanamadi.