Free State cop allegedly shoots woman, holds her hostage for nine hours | News24
Almost nine hours of negotiation ended with a police officer, who allegedly held a woman hostage in Jacobsdal in the Free State, finally handing himself over.
According to police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, officers were alerted to the alleged hostage situation in Moabi Street in Ratanang at around 11:45 on Sunday.
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“The Xhariep District Commissioner, Brigadier Mohiti Sereetsi, Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, SAPS hostage negotiators and other relevant roleplayers were immediately mobilised to the scene. Upon arrival, preliminary information was gathered, indicating that a 25-year-old female had allegedly been shot in the shoulder by a 28-year-old police constable,” Covane said.
Police did not divulge the relationship between the officer, who is stationed in Hanover in the Northern Cape, and the woman.
Covane said the negotiations continued for several hours before the officer surrendered his pistol and handed himself over at about 20:25.
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“Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured victim, who was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kimberley for further medical treatment. A case of kidnapping and attempted murder has been registered. The suspect, a police constable, was arrested and is expected to appear before the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court soon,” Covane added.
Free State police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia, commended the officers for their handling of the negotiations.
“We also wish the injured victim a speedy recovery. At the same time, the suspect will face the full might of the law, and the circumstances surrounding this incident will be thoroughly investigated. SAPS members are equally subject to the law, and any allegations of criminal conduct will be dealt with through due process,” Lesia said.
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