The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is probing the shooting and killing of a man believed to be izinyoka by the police.
The incident happened on Wednesday 10 May at Ramaphosa informal settlement in Philippi.
The exact circumstances around the shooting are unclear, but according to residents the commotion ensued during an illegal electricity connection attempt.
The Ramaphosa residents are accused of illegally connecting or stealing electricity from a nearby Hazeldean community.
A resident, who accused the police of being harsh, on them, claimed residents were illegally connecting electricity in one of the electricity main boxes in Hazeldene when the police arrived.
“When we saw them we ran away. The police chased us. They manhandled another guy and assaulted him and later shot him. I don’t know why they shot him,” she said.
The resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said they went to Nyanga Police Station to demand answers, but were ignored.
However, the Nyanga Community Policing Forum secretary Dumisani Qwebe refuted the community’s version of events and described it as unfounded.
He said it is alleged that when the officers accosted the community members in an effort to chase them away the deceased pulled out his firearm and tried to shoot them but his firearm jammed and the officers in response shot and killed him.
“Ramaphosa shack dwellers were illegally connecting electricity in a danger box in Hazeldene. The police went there after they received a report about an illegal connection. On their arrival some of the residents ran away, the deceased took out a gun and tried to shoot at the police but his firearm jammed. Then the officers shot and killed him,” explained Qwebe, adding that the officers shot him trying to defend themselves.
He stated that the worst part was at night and anything could have happened to thepolice. He said it is not the first time shack dwellers from that area do that.
“In mid last year as CPF together with the police and other community stakeholders went there to talk to the community about that. We listened to their grievances and we urged them to stop illegally connecting electricity from the nearby danger boxes. And we are dismayed that they continue doing that,” said Qwebe.
He urged the police to execute their job and ensure that they keep peace and stability in all areas.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) national spokesperson Robbie Raburabu confirmed the incident, citing that it was reported on Wednesday 10 May.
He stated that the Ipid is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.