Drunk cop allegedly kills man

2003-03-10 21:57

Nahima Ahmed

Johannesburg - Police are investigating claims that an SAPS member shot and killed a man in an argument in Orlando, south of Soweto, at the weekend.

Friends and family of Given Ketse, 35, allege that the policeman was "very drunk and angry."

He reportedly was one of about 30 cops who'd arrived at the Ndlovu shopping mall in four vans.

Benjamin Kokang, a witness, says one of the policemen got into an argument with Ketse, who had been playing snooker with four friends.

"The officer had a torch in his hand and he flashed it in Ketse's face. He smelled of alcohol and he started to argue with Ketse," Kokang said.

He said the officer and Ketse were arguing about police not doing their job properly. Police were apparently conducting a sweep of the area at the time.

"Ketse told him the police were looking in the wrong places and picking on the wrong people. The officer was not impressed and things got out of hand."

Reginald Matuka, another witness said: "The cop took his gun out and shot Ketse in the chest. It was a very close shot."

Other Orlando residents said: "I can't believe the people who are supposed to protect us are killing us."

- Daily Sun