16-Hour Pretoria Hostage Standoff Ends in Tragedy as Police Officer Kills Nephew, Himself
What began as a family dispute in Pretoria East spiralled into a devastating hostage situation that lasted more than 16 hours.
An off-duty police constable ultimately killed his 18-year-old nephew before taking his own life, despite desperate negotiations by SAPS hostage specialists.
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Police Officer Turns Gun on Family
The 32-year-old constable, who served at Boschkop police station, locked himself inside his home with his 69-year-old mother and nephew on Tuesday morning.
Witnesses said two gunshots were fired before police arrived, prompting an immediate and heavy response from Mamelodi East officers.
“Witnesses reported that the constable fired two shots before the police arrived on the scene, and he was refusing to let his 69-year-old mother and 18-year-old nephew out of the house,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili.
Mother Freed Hours Later
Hostage negotiators managed to secure the release of the officer’s mother at around 11pm. Paramedics treated her at the scene before she was transferred to hospital for further care.
“The hostage situation was resolved just before midnight, when the Special Task Force (STF) members were about to tactically penetrate the house,” Muridili explained.
Final Gunshots End Negotiations
Just before midnight, as members of the Special Task Force prepared to enter the house, two more gunshots were heard. Officers rushed in to find the constable dead from a self-inflicted wound. His nephew was discovered nearby, also fatally shot.
“Upon entering the house, the STF members found the body of the constable. As they searched the house further, they discovered the body of the constable’s 18-year-old nephew with gunshot wounds,” Muridili confirmed.
Investigations and Support
SAPS confirmed that cases of murder, kidnapping and an inquest have been opened. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will also probe the incident.
Brigadier Brenda Muridili said psychosocial support would be provided to both the family and the officer’s colleagues.