A police constable who allegedly held a woman against her will in the Free State is expected to appear in the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court soon.
The 28-year-old constable faces charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.
The provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, said the arrest comes after police in Jacobsdal received information about a hostage situation in Moabi Street in the Ratanang Township at about 11.45 am on Sunday, August 16.
“The Xhariep District Commissioner, Brigadier Mohiti Sereetsi, Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, SAPS hostage negotiators and other relevant role players were immediately mobilised to the scene,” Covane said.
Police said information received was that a 25-year-old woman had allegedly been shot by the suspect.
“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 stationed in Hanover, Northern Cape,” Covane said.
Hostage negotiations with the suspect were ongoing for several hours.
“At approximately 8.25pm, the suspect surrendered his service pistol and handed himself over to the police without further loss of life. Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured victim, who was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, for further medical treatment,” Covane said.
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Free State Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia, commended the SAPS members and all role players for their professionalism and restraint in resolving the situation.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of professional hostage negotiation, patience and a coordinated multidisciplinary response when dealing with volatile and potentially life-threatening situations,” Lesia said.
He said the successful resolution of this incident, without further loss of life, is a commendable achievement.
“I commend our hostage negotiators, Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, the Xhariep District management and all other role players who worked tirelessly to bring the situation to a peaceful conclusion. Their primary focus remained the preservation of life, and their commitment and professionalism must be acknowledged,” Lesia said.
He also wished the victim a speedy recovery and stated that the police constable will face the full might of the law.
“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.
