The 16-hour hostage crisis in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria, came to a tragic end after efforts to negotiate were unsuccessful, and the police constable involved took his own life early this morning.
The incident began when the constable, identified as 32-year-old Thapelo Mashigo, allegedly held two family members hostage. During negotiations, he agreed to release his mother, who was subsequently transported to hospital for treatment.
However, as police negotiators approached the residence, two gunshots were heard. Upon entering the house, officers discovered that Mashigo had committed suicide. Sadly, an 18-year-old male, also in the house, was found dead with gunshot wounds.
As reported by SABC News, Tshwane police district commissioner, Major General Samuel Thine, explained, “Negotiators were still engaged in discussions, attempting to persuade the constable to surrender. Just before entry, gunfire was heard. On inspection, we found that the constable had taken his own life. The 18-year-old was also found deceased with gunshot injuries.”
According to Jacaranda FM, Mashigo, who joined the police force in 2019 and was stationed at Boschkop Police Station, is now at the center of investigations. Police have registered cases of murder, kidnapping, and an inquest at Mamelodi East Police Station.
Meanwhile, Obakeng Ramabodu, Tshwane’s MMC for Environmental Management and Agriculture, who was present at the scene, called for enhanced mental health support services for police officers to better manage such crises.
