A police officer allegedly shot himself outside the VGK Elsies River church in Halt Road this morning, who was part of the Western Cape Community Safety and Police Oversight MEC Reagen Allen’s protection detail, according to the MEC.
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According to News24, the officer allegedly shot himself during the funeral service of City of Cape Town’s LEAP officer Alessandro Heynes.
Alessandro Heynes was off duty when he was killed in Elsies River just over a week ago, reports News24.
The Elsies River community is deeply shocked by the incident. The police arrived on the scene.
Elsies River Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, Hamish Arries said it was a very traumatic experience.
“There were hundreds of people who lined up the streets to say their farewell to Heynes. Never in a million years did we think the community would be faced with a police officer shooting himself at the church. It’s very sad indeed, and, we as the CPF wish the officer well,” said Arries.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the officer was rushed to N1 City hospital for immediate medical attention.
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC, Reagan Allen, confirmed that the officer – who allegedly turned a gun on himself – was his protector.
The 44-year-old officer was on duty when the incident occurred.
“I am deeply shocked and hurt by what had transpired. I would like to wish the officer a speedy recovery. I hope we will be able to get to the bottom of why this occurred, soonest, ” said Allen.
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