THE family of a deceased 23-year-old man say they were shocked and appalled that a Durbanville police officer accused of murdering their relative was granted bail.
The case was registered on 20 September 2024, after Sikelela Tshota was shot and killed in Fisantekraal.
The police officer, Funisile Xhego, who was stationed at Durbanville Police Station is currently making appearances at the Bellville Regional Court and was granted bail.
The Tshota family said they are stunned that the officer was freed out on bail and wanted justice for their relative who was the breadwinner of his side of the family and worked in construction.
The family spokesman says: “They [the deceased and his friends] were sitting around the fire because it was cold and they saw the group of police who were patrolling as it was the weekend.
“They thought they should rather move away from the police and run, fearing they would be assaulted.
“While running, they heard one gunshot and Sikelela informed them that he was shot.
“They did not think anything of it as they were still in motion and he fell down.
“They, together with the police and law enforcement saw that he was shot and bleeding.
“They claimed they fired a warning shot in the air.
“Why did they use live ammunition?”
The family claimed police wanted to push the blame on someone else but that ballistic testing proved that the bullet allegedly belonged to a police officer's firearm
The source adds: “Police did not follow up with us after the shooting until a detective was appointed and we saw they wanted to sweep this under the carpet and we contacted IPID, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate [IPID].
“They claimed that the community had informed them that someone was shot but the bullet inside him pointed out to which firearm it was.
“He was shot in the back and he was not armed.
“We also want to know why the cop is out on bail.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk confirmed the case was in the hands of IPID.
He reports: “Kindly be advised that the case cited in your enquiry is investigated by IPID and their communication department is in a far better position to facilitate your questions further."
IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping did not respond to queries.
