The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed its investigation into a case involving a deadly altercation between two law enforcement officers in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday outside a nightclub and was captured on video, subsequently going viral. The footage depicts Officer Zikalala initiating an attack on the JMPD K9 officer, resulting in Zikalala’s untimely demise.
In the video, Zikalala is seen approaching a parked car on Juta Street near the club, armed with a pistol, uttering profanities, and calling for the SAPS officer inside the vehicle to come out. Zikalala attempts to slap the officer who was seated in the driver’s seat, while another individual tries to intervene.
Amidst gun-wielding threats and expletives, a rapid exchange of gunfire ensues, leaving Zikalala lifeless and sprawled in a pool of blood. The incident prompts screams from club-goers, and bouncers urge revellers to seek refuge inside the club.
In short: a pedi jmpd officer shot a zulu police officer
Pedis 1
Zulus 0 pic.twitter.com/J5Kpl36QjH— MuziDV (@22muzidv) June 27, 2023
The Star has obtained internal communications among JMPD members, shedding light on the details of the tragic event. The message reports the incident as a “Firearm-Related Incident Murder/attempted murder” involving Officer Zikalala, who was off duty at the time. According to the communication, an argument erupted between Zikalala and the driver of a white VW Jetta, later identified as an off-duty SAPS member attached to Parkview police station. During the heated confrontation, the SAPS member allegedly fired six shots at Zikalala’s upper torso, resulting in his fatal injuries.
IPID, SAPS, and LCRC (Local Criminal Record Centre) were present at the crime scene, and the investigation is ongoing. The internal communication further revealed that no shots were fired from the JMPD firearm, while the SAPS member discharged all six rounds.
The Star also possesses an audio recording believed to feature the voice of the SAPS member involved. In the recording, the officer claims that the JMPD officer threatened to shoot him outside the vehicle, insisting he comes out. Fearing for his safety, the SAPS officer states that he attempted to evade the situation but ultimately felt compelled to shoot in self-defence to immobilize the aggressor. Tragically, the SAPS officer acknowledges that the use of lethal force resulted in Zikalala’s passing.
IPID spokesperson Robbie Raburabu has confirmed the incident, stating that a murder case is under investigation, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
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Colleagues of Officer Zikalala have taken to social media platforms, expressing their condolences and mourning the loss of a dedicated member of the JMPD K9 Unit. The investigation continues to unravel the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
