Metro police woman shot dead by SAPS after they followed her son home

A Joburg Metro Police officer, not on duty, fired shots at a group of uniformed South African Police Service officers and was killed in Soweto on Saturday evening following an argument regarding her son’s alleged reckless driving.

It is reported that her 27-year-old son was driving a Toyota Land Cruiser recklessly, ignored signals from South African Police Service (SAPS) officers to stop, and only stopped when at his home in Dobsonville.

A confrontation erupted between the SAPS members and JMPD officer Linda Mthimkhulu as they tried to apprehend her son.

Mthimkhulu, a veteran officer of 17 years, reportedly retrieved her firearm from her residence and discharged it at the officers. In response, the SAPS officers returned fire, resulting in Mthimkhulu’s fatal injury.

Linda Mthimkhulu

The incident is now under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) as the metro police officer’s death occurred during police intervention.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the incident and stated that three individuals were arrested: Mthimkhulu’s 75-year-old mother, her son, and a neighbour.

The elderly woman was arrested for common assault and obstruction of police, while her son was apprehended for reckless and negligent driving. Additionally, the friend was arrested for obstructing police in the execution of their duties, as confirmed by Masondo.

During a press conference in Pretoria on Sunday, Police Minister Bheki Cele conveyed a clear message to police officers.

“Our message is clear, no police officer should die with a gun in their hand”.

Linda Mthimkhulu at work

Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed they were investigating the incident after it was reported to them on Saturday night.

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