A suspect has been arrested by the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit following the death of a policeman in Grassy Park yesterday.
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The 42-year-old is due to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Monday after 26-year-old Constable Ashwin Pedro was fatally shot in the chest, while on duty, shortly before 6pm.
“The deceased member and his partner reacted to information of an armed suspect in Blackbird Avenue in Grassy Park and during an altercation with the suspect, the member sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his chest,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Andrè Traut. “His partner escaped the incident unharmed.”
The suspect was later apprehended in Ravensmead by members of the SAPS.
“The 9mm pistol he stole during the altercation was found in his possession and confiscated,” Traut added. “The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being probed by the Hawks investigators.”
Shortly after the incident, a police chopper circled in the vicinity of where the constable and young father had been fatally wounded.
“The City’s enforcement staff are deeply saddened to have heard of the passing of a SAPS Constable who was allegedly shot in Parkwood earlier this evening,” City of Cape Town’s safety and security MMC, JP Smith, posted on social media prior to the arrest.
“When those tasked with protecting our society are attacked, it threatens the very core fabric holding our country together.”
“We must resist such an attack and do everything possible to safeguard the last line of defence.”
“To the brothers and sisters of the thin blue line, we share our deepest condolences.”
Yesterday, DA councillor Angus McKenzie also said that he was perturbed that some community members praised and protected the alleged suspect.
“Prove me wrong. I challenge those that know to come forward and report that gangster,” McKenzie said.
“The very community he swore to serve and protect is the very same community who has a responsibility to bring his killer to book.”
“For those that know who did it and refuse to speak up, you equally to blame. You want to stop gangsters???? Stop protecting them!!!!”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, is due to visit the family home of the deceased in Lavender Hill this morning.
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Pictures: SAPS and Facebook/ Angus McKenzie – Councillor