By Staff Reporter
MAMELODI — The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has confirmed a heartbreaking end to a hostage drama in Mamelodi East, where a 32-year-old police constable fatally shot his nephew before turning the gun on himself late on Tuesday, 09 September 2025.
The incident began around 08:00 when the constable allegedly fired two shots and barricaded himself inside a house with his 69-year-old mother and 18-year-old nephew. Police and specialised hostage negotiators were immediately dispatched to the scene.
After hours of tense negotiations, the constable’s mother was released at around 23:00. She was treated on-site by paramedics before being transported to hospital for further care.
Tragically, just before midnight, as the Special Task Force (STF) prepared to intervene, two gunshots rang out from inside the house.
STF members stormed the residence and discovered the constable dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His nephew was also found fatally shot.
The constable has been identified as Constable Thapelo Mashigo (32), who was stationed at Boschkop Police Station and deployed to the Essential Infrastructure Task Team. He had joined SAPS in 2019.
The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit was present at the scene and will continue offering psychosocial support to both the grieving family and Mashigo’s colleagues.
Police have opened cases of murder, kidnapping, and an inquest at Mamelodi East Police Station. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has also been notified to probe the matter.
Police have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic events, urging continued support for the affected family and the broader Mamelodi community.
