Police constable arrested after hours-long hostage incident in Jacobsdal

A police constable has been arrested after an alleged hostage situation in Jacobsdal that left a woman injured. Police say the incident unfolded on Sunday morning and ended after hours of negotiations.

What happened

Provincial police reported that members received information about a hostage situation in Moabi Street in the Ratanang Township at about 11.45am on Sunday, August 16. A 28-year-old police constable is accused of holding a 25-year-old woman against her will and shooting her in the shoulder.

Response and arrest

Police mobilised a coordinated response that included the Xhariep District Commissioner, the Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, SAPS hostage negotiators and other role players. Hostage negotiations continued for several hours.

At approximately 8.25pm the suspect surrendered his service pistol and handed himself over to police. He is expected to appear in the Jacobsdal Magistrate’s Court and faces charges of kidnapping and attempted murder.

Injuries and medical care

Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured woman, who was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, for further medical treatment.

Official statements

Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane, the provincial police spokesperson, described the sequence of events and the law-enforcement response. He said the arrest followed information received about the incident and confirmed the victim had been shot in the shoulder by the constable, who is stationed in Hanover, Northern Cape.

“The Xhariep District Commissioner, Brigadier Mohiti Sereetsi, Bloemfontein Tactical Response Team (TRT), Crime Intelligence, SAPS hostage negotiators and other relevant role players were immediately mobilised to the scene,”

“Upon arrival, preliminary information was gathered, indicating that a 25-year-old female had allegedly been shot in the shoulder by a 28-year-old police constable stationed in Hanover, Northern Cape,”

“At approximately 8.25pm, the suspect surrendered his service pistol and handed himself over to the police without further loss of life. Emergency medical personnel attended to the injured victim, who was subsequently transported to a hospital in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, for further medical treatment,”

Police commissioner praises response

Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia commended the members and role players involved, praising the negotiation work and the coordinated response. He said the outcome showed the importance of professional hostage negotiation and a multidisciplinary approach.

“This incident demonstrates the importance of professional hostage negotiation, patience and a coordinated multidisciplinary response when dealing with volatile and potentially life-threatening situations,”

“The circumstances surrounding this incident will be thoroughly investigated. SAPS members are equally subject to the law, and any allegations of criminal conduct will be dealt with through due process,”

Next steps

The suspect will face the charges of kidnapping and attempted murder in court. Police said the circumstances of the incident will be investigated.