In a bizarre case that has police scratching their heads, a suspect was shot and killed inside a Cape Flats cop shop after he allegedly stabbed a Metro Police officer for failing to arrest him.
The drama unfolded on Sunday after 11.30am while the Metro cop, a constable, was registering a case docket in the charge office at the Mfuleni SAPS in Mfuleni.
City of Cape Town authorities say the suspect came into the station looking agitated and wanted the officer to take him into custody.
The deceased’s identity has not been revealed and it is not clear why he wanted to be arrested.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security and Social Services, JP Smith, says the suspect wanted to be arrested and that while talking to the officer, he allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed the cop.
The wounded officer retaliated by drawing his firearm and firing three shots.
The suspect was killed while two other people in the charge office were shot in their feet.
Smith says the injured people were rushed to hospital.
“At approximately 11.30am, a Metro Police officer was registering a case docket at the police station, when a member of the public arrived,” Smith says.
“The man appeared agitated and indicated that he wants to be arrested.
The slain victim at Mfuleni Police Station
“He turned to speak to the Metro Police officer, before taking out a knife and stabbing the officer twice in the chest and once in his left arm.
“The officer retaliated by discharging three rounds from his service pistol, fatally wounding the suspect.
“Two other civilians sustained wounds, both to the right foot - as a result of ricocheting bullets.
“The Metro Police officer was treated at Bellville Melomed and will receive counselling as part of the City’s Employee Assistance Programme.
“One of the two civilians wounded was transported to Tygerberg Hospital for treatment.”
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana, says the matter has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for investigation.
“A case of attempted murder has been opened for investigation by the Mfuleni police subsequent to a stabbing incident that occurred [yesterday] morning at Mfuleni SAPS,” she said.
“The death inquest case is under investigation by IPID on the death of the suspect.”