Do not play around with toy guns, it could just cost you your life.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is investigating after a man was shot and killed by a City of Cape Town Metro Police officer.
It’s believed the officer allegedly shot the man after he displayed “suspicious behaviour” and took out a toy gun.
The shooting incident occurred in Philippi on Thursday.
According to a source, the man believed to be in his late 20s, was cornered by a Metro cop for his suspicious behaviour.
However, the man then allegedly ran away from the Metro cop, who gave chase.
“The man, who had a toy gun in his possession, then took out the gun. The on-duty officer believed it to be an actual gun and opened fired on the unidentified man,” says the source.
The man died on the scene.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk referred media queries about the incident to Ipid.
“Kindly forward your enquiry to Ipid for a response,” Van Wyk says.
Ipid spokesman Moses Dlamini confirmed the shooting incident involved a Metro cop.
He said all statements from witnesses were obtained and the investigation into the matter continues.
“It is alleged that the Metro Police officer was on duty and he wanted to search the deceased who ran away during the chase. It is alleged that the deceased took out a gun and pointed it at the Metro officer.
“The Metro officer shot the deceased and the victim died on the scene. The post mortem will be done today [Monday]. All witness statements were obtained. The investigation continues,” Dlamini said.
The City of Cape Town did not respond to Daily Voice queries by Sunday night.