SAPS launches internal investigation in Stellenbosch cop death

It may have been an accident.

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The case of the Stellenbosch cop that died in the line of duty is, according to police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk, being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

As reported by EWN, the officer was part of the Stellenbosch Crime Prevention Unit that responded to a distress call coming from a house in a farm near Vlottenberg.

What happened to the Stellenbosch cop?

It is believed that at around 20:00 on Wednesday evening, a group of armed robbers entered the house and ransacked the place before escaping without injuring the victims.

Captain Van Wyk revealed that the suspects were encountered in the vicinity of the house the distress call came from. The robbers, after being alerted by the police’s presence tried to evade capture.

The police, including the 31-year-old Stellenbosch cop, pursued the suspects. However, the pursuit was abandoned after the officer suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

“The information was followed up by cluster detectives and the Stellenbosch crime prevention unit when the suspects were spotted. Members from the Stellenbosch crime prevention unit pursued a suspect. During a shooting incident, a police officer was fatally wounded,” the police spokesperson noted.

Ipid launches internal investigation into death

It was, at first, believed that the gunshot came from the direction of the suspects. However, murmurs from the police station have suggested that this may not be the case.

Captain Van Wyk noted that the Ipid has launched an inquiry into the Constables death.

As reported by Die Burger, rumours circulating within the police unit suggest that the gunshot may have come from behind the officer.

This would mean that it is possible that the officer was killed by his own colleague. The Stellenbosch police have not allowed themselves to be drawn into confirming or denying this claim. For now, all has been left to speculation.