Four Cape Town metro police officers were arrested on Friday afternoon for assault and attempted murder, police said.
South African Police Service spokesperson Inspector Bernadine Steyn said five metro police officers were spotted by Lavender Hills residents assaulting and firing shots at an unknown man.
”They allegedly apprehended the man afterwards and put him in their patrol van and drove off. Four of the five police officers were arrested in their homes later today [Friday].”
Police seized the metro police vehicle that was allegedly used during the attack and the five firearms allegedly used by the officers.
Steyn said police found the body of the fifth officer, Jason February (29), in the bush in Eagle Park at 1pm.
”He was found with two bullet wounds to his head, and a 9mm firearm with the serial number filed off was found on the scene. Foul play cannot be excluded and hence a murder investigation was launched in this regard,” said Steyn.
The male victim, who was allegedly beaten and shot at by the metro police officials, has not yet been found, Steyn said.
The four police officials, aged between 26 and 32, face charges of attempted murder and assault. They are expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Monday. — Sapa