Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating a case of murder against two Gauteng police constables who claim they were firing warning shots when a woman was killed.
The incident occurred on 12 November 2022 along Durand Road in Putfontein, Ekurhuleni.
It is alleged the two constables, whose names are known , shot and killed the woman who was later identified as Silvia Phuti, 32.
Phuti was travelling with four men in a maroon BMW when she was shot.
She was certified dead inside the vehicle.
IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said they were investigating a murder or death allegedly due to police action.
wing high speed chase, IPID investigating
“It is alleged that two SAPS members stationed at Etwatwa police station were patrolling along Vermeulen and Durant roads in Putfontein when they came across the BMW with five occupants.
“Inside, there were four males and one female person. The officers tried to stop the vehicle. The driver refused to stop.
“The police gave chase with blue lights and siren on. Still, the BMW refused to stop. The police alleged that they heard gunshots coming from the BMW.”
Suping said the officers claimed they were not sure from which side of the vehicle the bullets were fired as it was speeding and refusing to stop.
“The officers retaliated by firing two warning shots in the air. One warning shot (was fired) in the direction of the BMW as they gave chase.”
Suping added the BMW finally stopped a few metres from where the last shot was fired.
“The officers further claimed that when the BMW stopped, three male occupants who were passengers bolted out to a nearby veld. They later returned. The driver and the female occupant remained in the car.
“As the police approached the BMW, they noticed that the female occupant sitting at the back passenger seat was shot in the neck.”
A post-mortem was conducted on Monday.
“IPID will pronounce on the outcome once the investigation is complete,” said Suping.
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