The family of a 28-year-old Bolt driver, Mxolisi Mphela, who was allegedly shot and killed by police, is demanding justice.
Mxolisi, from Emalahleni, was allegedly shot by police at Hlalanikahle on Saturday, 1 November, while spending time with friends at a park.
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According to a police statement, Vosman police had received information about suspects wanted in connection with several carjacking cases in Vosman and Emalahleni.
Acting on this information, police went to a parking area in Hlalanikahle Phase 4, where they reportedly identified the suspects and tried to arrest them.
When the suspects saw the police, they fled in different directions, firing shots. Police returned fire, fatally wounding one suspect.
However, Mxolisi’s family insists that the police shot the wrong person.
His aunt, Mable Mashego (53), told Daily Sun her nephew had never been in trouble with the law.
“It came as a shock for us to hear that Mxolisi was accused of being involved in criminal activities. We tried to get a proper explanation from the police, but they refused to speak to us,” said Mable.
She said that the family believed Mxolisi was wrongfully targeted.
“The police made a mistake and killed the wrong person, and it was a very expensive mistake. Mxolisi had a knee injury and couldn’t run when everyone else did.”
“He surrendered, but they continued to shoot him. When I arrived at the scene, his hands were still in the same position he was shot in, which shows he wasn’t fighting.”
Mable further alleged that the police are now trying to cover up the incident.
“We want the police to give us answers and apologise for what they did. We are hurt as a family that our child has been labelled a criminal when he is not.”
“Mxolisi was someone you could rely on, and we are deeply hurt by how he died,” she said.
Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesman Phaladi Shuping said the Ipid is aware of the case and has already begun investigating the incident.
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“The scene was reported after the alleged incident on Saturday, 1 November, and Ipid investigators attended after receiving the report and processed the crime scene together with other stakeholders.”
“The case is under investigation, and it is only after investigation that we will be in a position to decide on a way forward,” he said.
