Student police officer ‘accidentally killed’ during training at Limpopo police academy

Cape Town – Police have confirmed the fatal shooting of a student police officer at the SAPS Tactical Thabazimbi Academy in Limpopo.

It was alleged the trainee officer was accidentally shot during combat training.

The incident happened on Sunday, November  20, 2022, police said.

Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the matter had since been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) while an internal investigation surrounding the circumstances of the incident was under way.

#sapsHQ #SAPSNPC, Gen Masemola has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a police trainee at the #SAPS Tactical Thabazimbi Academy on 20/11. MEhttps://t.co/LTtmXmlVbH pic.twitter.com/tiUGXYWD7A

— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) November 22, 2022

Psychologists, Social Workers and Chaplains from the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) component were currently providing psychosocial support to the family of the deceased and all affected,” said Mathe.

General Fannie Masemola said this was an unfortunate incident.

“This is an unfortunate incident, we request space to conduct a thorough investigation to be able to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. We pledge our full support to the family of the deceased and all affected,” Masemola said.